DARLINGTON striker Alun Armstrong is struggling to be fit in time to visit Cambridge United tomorrow.

The 30-year-old was due to resume full training with Quakers yesterday, before setting off with the rest of the squad today.

However, assistant manager Mark Proctor last night conceded that the 11-goal forward remains short of fitness after failing to recover from a calf injury.

Armstrong has missed Quakers' last two games and has been on a rehabilitation programme in Ipswich, where he is based.

"As it stands Alun won't be fit to play at Cambridge," said Proctor. "We will make a further assessment on Friday, although it doesn't look too promising."

With five games to go, and seventh-placed Quakers occupying the final play-off spot, Proctor insists Armstrong will not be rushed back.

"If we threw Alun straight back in then it could be seen as a gamble," admitted Proctor. "We would rather he missed this game than risk losing him for the rest of the season."

If Armstrong fails to recover in time, Craig Russell will continue to partner Clyde Wijnhard in attack.

On-loan Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates is unavailable to make his debut.

Bates joined Quakers on loan until the end of the season on transfer deadline day, but has remained with Boro to recover from a back injury and won't link up with Quakers until Monday.

"It is a setback, but we have to respect Middlesbrough's wishes," said Proctor.

CHRIS Westwood can see the footballing similarities between himself and Joel Porter.

The Hartlepool United pair might be at opposite ends of the pitch, but both have impressed this season.

Westwood teed up Porter's 15th goal of the season during Tuesday's deflating draw with Peterborough.

The Aussie has been in scincillating form all season in the forward line with Adam Boyd. And defender Westwood, now into his sixth season at Victoria Park, can see the benefits of a settling-in period because he experienced the same scenario himself in 1999.

"I liken him to myself,'' he said. "When I came here I hadn't played for ten months and got a bit of stick.

"But I knew what I could do as soon as I got my fitness back .

"Once we got him fit there was always a chance he was going to turn out to be the player he is. The way him and Boydy link up is unbelievable.

"I'm glad he's on my side rather than playing against me."

Pool boosted their squad with two additions on transfer deadline day, Thomas Butler and Steve Howey.

Former Sunderland winger Butler has made two starts for his new club, but Howey has only played reserve football.

Butler scored on his debut last week and Westwood said: "It was a nice way for him to start.

"I've seen enough of him when he was at Sunderland to know he will be a good player once he gets his full fitness back.

"Howey is another one with loads of experience. I don't think he's played for four months and he needs to get his fitness back.

"But he's a good addition and it keeps us on our toes, me and Micky Nelson especially."

* Pool's home game with Sheffield Wednesday next Friday is all-ticket. Tickets are on sale until 5pm on the day of the game.