As Darlington won at Ebbsfleet United last weekend, debutant Dale Hopson took all the limelight, which meant Ian Miller's return was almost forgotten - and that's just how Craig Liddle liked it.

Hopson, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder, took the plaudits as Quakers won 3-1, but Miller immediately tightened up the heart of defence, with his pace and leadership both key components.

He had not missed a minute of the first ten matches, but then required an operation to deal with a hernia problem which had been an issue since the second week of pre-season training.

Miller was unavailable for the next 11 matches, during which time Graeme Lee was partnered by Exodus Geohagon and Greg Taylor, while Liam Hatch and Jonatan Sanchez-Munoz were also given games at centre-back.

But now Miller has returned and he will lead the team out against Tamworth at The Northern Echo Arena today.

Caretaker manager Liddle said: "Ian was a big miss because he adds pace to the backline and the best thing about last week was that nobody noticed Ian Miller. He slotted back in as though he'd not been away.

"His performance was what you'd expect from a captain. He was loud, he won his headers and his tackles, he covered when he needed to and gave out praise when it was deserved.

"He did everything you expect of a captain and fitted in very well.

"I had my heart in my mouth when he brought one of their lads down just outside the box, but he's a vital part of the team and another one to build the team around."

Liddle this week made the same comment about Hatch, a player who has attracted interest from elsewhere, but Darlington are keen to keep the striker.

He will play today if he has overcome the illness that prevented him from training on Thursday as Liddle is unlikely to make changes from the team that defeated Ebbsfleet.

Having returned to action seven days ago, Miller has also reclaimed the captain's armband from Jamie Chandler, a move that the midfielder accepted without complaint, reports Liddle.

He said: "Jamie was doing unbelievably well since he took up the captain's role, but I had a chat with them both before last Saturday's game.

"For me, Ian Miller is the club's captain and it will stay that way as long as I'm in caretaker charge and it's up to the next manager to make a change if he feels it necessary.

"Jamie took it as well as I knew he would. Watching him last Saturday, he wasn't any different to when he was wearing the armband and I think that comes down to being honest and open with your players."

This afternoon's game will be Liddle's second of the day as he will also be on the touchline for the youth team's league cup tie at Houghall College in Durham against Hartlepool United (11am).

However, Liddle suggested that Quakers' kids will be shorn of Hopson's attacking instincts following his impressive senior debut last week.

"I'd like to win because it would set the day up nicely, but one of my star players probably isn't going to be playing," said Liddle.

"I'm not making excuses, but the bigger picture is that the kids do well and progress into the first team.

"We've beaten them already this season and they beat us twice last year so there's not much in it."

Having won last week as well as last time out at the Arena, a fortnight ago against AFC Telford, Darlington are today bidding to put together three successive league wins.

They have not managed that feat since November 2008, but they face a Tamworth team who defeated them 1-0 on the second weekend of the season and are 11th, having lost only one of their most recent ten matches.

On Tuesday they won in the FA Cup against Hinckley United, the team that defeated Darlington in the fourth qualifying round.

* Darlington's FA Youth Cup tie at Newcastle United has been arranged for December 8 (7pm) with admission £3 adults and £1.50 concessions.

* Darlington will discover on Monday who they will face when they start the defence of the FA Trophy. The third qualifying round takes place today with the draw to follow on Monday. The first round proper is on December 10.