Having finally returned to the side on Saturday, Darlington goalkeeper Andy Oakes aims to hold on to the No 1 spot for good this time.

After being sent off on his debut during the first game of the season, Oakes served a one-match ban but was kept out of the side for a further five games due to the good form of stand-in David Stockdale.

A shoulder injury kept Stockdale out of the side that drew with Peterborough at the weekend.

If he does not recover in time for the visit of Rochdale this evening Oakes will again be between the sticks.

Regardless of Stockdale's availability, Oakes intends to play his way into becoming manager Dave Penney's first-choice, just as Stockdale did with a string of eye-catching performances.

Such has been Stockdale's form that reports have even suggested Sunderland are interested in the 22-year-old.

But injury has curtailed his run for now, and now that Oakes is back in the team he hopes to stay there.

He said: "I was confident I would get back in the side somehow and unfortunately for David, especially the way he has been playing, it's happened through injury.

"Theoretically it's my shirt to lose, but that's up to the manager. I just want to play football, that's what I am here for.

"There's no doubt about it, David deserved to keep his place. He played fantastically and that's why you read in the papers that other clubs want him. He's only young as well, so long may his form continue."

Stockdale suffered the injury on Friday while making a save during a small-sided game in training.

Along with goalkeeping coach Andy Collett, Oakes and Stockdale train together and Oakes says the pair have helped each other's game.

He said: "It does help your performances having two keepers at the club because you know if you have a bad game then you're out of the team. It's pressure but it's good pressure.

"We have a great relationship. I've been helping him and he's been helping me.

"Me and Dave enjoy training with each other but we're there to compete with each other and only one of us can play.''

Oakes arrived to replace former Darlington keeper Sam Russell, who will be on the bench tonight for Rochdale.

Russell left Quakers in the summer and after unsuccessful trials at MK Dons and Macclesfield he signed a short-term deal with Dale, although he has remained on the bench during the first two months of the season.

Also in the Rochdale squad will be wingers Adam Rundle, who started his career with Quakers, and Rory Prendergast, who ended last season on loan at Darlington.