With Clyde Wijnhard suspended when Darlington travel to Grimsby Town tomorrow Quakers look likely to call on one of the club's veteran reserve strikers.

Craig Russell and eight-goal Craig Hignett come into contention, although the ex-Sunderland striker has yet to find the net this season.

Russell admits he won't mind if he doesn't score all season, as long as Quakers win promotion.

After 25 attempts this season only two players in the division have had more shots without scoring - his last goal coming just over a year ago at Macclesfield Town.

Since Wijnhard and Armstrong arrived at the beginning of the season Russell has been reduced to a bit-part role, although he was called upon two weeks ago when the pair were suspended against Boston.

"The gaffer said he felt for me after the Boston game but it doesn't matter whether I score or not as long as we win," argued Russell.

Since Wijnhard and Armstrong arrived at the beginning of the season Russell has been reduced to a bit-part role although he was called upon two weeks ago when the pair were suspended against Boston.

"The gaffer said he felt for me after last the Boston game but it doesn't matter whether I score or not as long as we win," argued Russell who is in his second spell at the club after a loan spell from Man City in 1999/2000.

"If we get to the end of the season and we've got promotion then who cares if I've scored or not?

"It has been a difficult season for me, you've just got to keep working hard and the manager appreciates that I do that no matter where I play and he knows that I will always give it my best."

The miserable run of no goals in 23 appearances, many as a substitute, has drawn criticism from disgruntled supporters, but they were fully behind him during the Boston game -and it was a gesture Russell appreciated.

He said: "The fans gave me some great backing and it was touching because everybody knows I've had a bit of stick but I respect that, it happens in football.

"I've done it myself stood on the terraces at Sunderland, I'll not name any names but we've all done it - I understand that it happens, so it was great when they were singing my name.

"The Darlington fans have had some poor years recently but we've got some quality players at the club so understandably expectations are higher."

If Russell does get the nod ahead of Hignett tomorrow it'll be thanks to Wijnhard's petulance after he was dismissed for throwing an arm in the direction of Yeovil Town's Darren Way.

Until viewing the match video Quakers considered an appeal but decided against, giving Russell the opportunity of a first-team return and he said: "The lads said afterwards that Clyde did give their lad a bit of a slap.

"There was a bit of history between the pair from a previous game down at their ground. Unfortunately for us it means he's going to miss a few games but we're not just about one player.''

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