THIRD DIVISION rivals Scunthorpe have hijacked Darlington's bid to sign Bolton winger Jeff Smith on loan.

Quakers boss David Hodgson had hoped to complete the signing of Smith in time for tomorrow's trip to Kidderminster Harriers.

However, the Middlesbrough-born play-maker, who began his career at Hartlepool United, yesterday turned down a return to the North-East in favour of a move to Glanford Park on a month's loan.

Sunderland wing-back Craig James returned to Sunderland and Hodgson is keen to fill the void left by the 21-year-old.

The left-sided Smith would have been perfect for second-bottom Quakers, who have won just once in their last 17 League games.

"I'm very disappointed because everything appeared in place," said Hodgson.

"We knew that Jeff was from the area, he wanted to come and the move was a good one for everyone.

"But we got a phone call to say that he'd gone to Scunthorpe."

Smith made two appearances for Pool before joining Bishop Auckland in 1999. And after starring for Bishop for a season, the 23-year-old was taken to the Reebok Stadium by Sam Allardyce in 2000.

Smith recently started the two FA Cup games against Tranmere for Bolton. But he spent most of his time in Lancashire playing in the reserves.

Hodgson is still hopeful of completing the signing of Neil Teggart from Sunderland next week.

The Northern Ireland forward was due to join Quakers on a month's loan this week, only to see the move fall through after picking up a hamstring injury.

"The deal is certainly not dead and hopefully we'll be able to sort something out next week," said Hodgson.

The boss is keen to keep the identity of another target under wraps.

Hodgson said: "I'll be speaking to somebody else on Friday morning and if all goes well then he could be signed in time for the Kidderminster game."

Chris Hughes and Joey Hutchinson serve one-match bans tomorrow, while Andy Collett (shoulder) and Clark Keltie (ankle) remain sidelined.

Meanwhile, Darlington's home game with Northampton, postponed from the original date of a week tomorrow because the Cobblers are still in the FA Cup, has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 17 (7.30).

* Three Southampton imports have dismissed talk of dressing room unrest.

Anders Svensson, Fabrice Fernandes and Jo Tessem have teamed up in a bid to end the rumours and have hinted they will contemplate legal action should they again be labelled as the instigators.

The trio insist they are not unhappy with Saints or with manager Gordon Strachan - and have taken the unusual step of writing an open letter to the media.

Read more about the Quakers here.