Darlington face Third Division basement club Swansea City this evening with caretaker boss Mick Tait warning his players: "It's not going to be easy."

Quakers travelled to South Wales yesterday to prepare for what Tait expects to be a difficult game, despite Swansea's precarious position.

The Swans earned a point at second-placed Rushden at the weekend and Tait is expecting anything but an easy ride.

"They're a very spirited side and they showed that against Rushden," said Tait. "We'll be expected to win but it's not going to be easy.

"I saw the game on Saturday and they work very hard for each other. What we have to do is make sure we approach the game in a professional way."

Out-of-favour Ian Clark could earn a recall following Richard Offiong's return to Newcastle.

Clark lost his place to Offiong back in November and rarely featured during the 19-year-old's two-month stay. "Ian has been a bit unlucky really," sympathised Tait.

"He's always been there or there abouts in the team. We have Mark Sheeran as well, who has done very well in the reserves and he must come into my thoughts.

"I do have options and I'm sure whoever comes in will do a good job."

Neil Maddison (thigh), Matt Clarke (hand) and Danny Mellanby (back and leg) are all out, while Glenn Naylor remains doubtful with a knee problem.

Swansea will include former Quakers striker John Williams in their squad tonight.

Williams, who left for Vetch Field in June 2001, has rarely featured under Swans boss Brian Flynn this season, with the majority of his 19 appearances coming as a substitute.

Quakers, meanwhile, should learn today if Stuart Whitehead's sending off has been rescinded by referee Paul Danson.

The Leicestershire official was yesterday studying footage of the incident in which Whitehead was dismissed for a professional foul on Torquay striker Martin Gritton.

If Danson chooses to stick by his decision then the case will be brought before a special appeals panel.

* Leeds United yesterday settled their dispute with former manager David O'Leary and so avoided locking horns with him at a tribunal.

O'Leary has been seeking compensation from the Elland Road club since his sacking last June and was set to meet his former employers at a Premier League tribunal next month.

A club statement read: ''David O'Leary and Leeds United are pleased to announce that terms of settlement have been agreed arising from David's dismissal in June last year.

''By way of those terms the club has agreed to pay David compensation plus legal costs incurred by him in the dispute."

Read more about the Quakers here.