MIDFIELDER Craig Hignett believes Southend United will provide Darlington with a true test of their promotion credentials this weekend.

Quakers are unbeaten in 2005 and in their two away fixtures this year have won at then top-of-the-table Scunthorpe and drawn at fellow promotion-chasers Northampton Town.

The former Middlesbrough playmaker is wary of the threat the Shrimpers will pose, but believes Quakers have the talent to overcome their latest obstacle.

"We've hit form at the right time and it's up to us to make sure we build on that," said Hignett, who will play up front alongside Alun Armstrong if Clyde Wijnhard fails to recover from a hip injury, with manager David Hodgson saying the Dutchman's chances of playing are doubtful.

Curtis Fleming is also a doubt (back), while Clark Keltie has been ruled out for two to three weeks with cartilage trouble after colliding with team-mate Chris Mason in training.

But there was relief for Darlington last night when Craig Liddle confirmed his return from injury by playing 45 minutes in the reserves' 1-0 defeat at York City.

The Quakers' skipper has been sidelined since November with a double hernia, but came through the first half at KitKat Crescent without any problems.

There was also good news for David McGurk, who replaced Liddle at half-time. The defender reported no adverse reaction after returning from a knee injury. Midfielder Stephen Thomas also played an hour after recovering from a hernia operation.

Darlington: Price; Gibson, Liddle, Mason; Hughes, St. Juste, Kendrick, Thomas, Convery; Bulford, Parkin.

Meanwhile, Hodgson will tomorrow hold talks with a prospective new attacking midfielder who has experience in the top divisions of both the English and Scottish leagues. He hopes to push through a deal in time for the trip to Bury next week, if not for Saturday's game.

Read more about the Quakers here.