CRAIG Liddle has handed Darlington boss Tommy Taylor a boost by declaring he'll return from injury by February.

The 31-year-old fell awkwardly two weeks ago against Hull and a trip to hospital revealed a pin may have to be inserted.

He had originally been ruled out for rest of the season, so the news is a tonic for Taylor, who isn't having much luck as he seeks to add new blood.

Liddle was relieved to hear the X-ray results. "I'm delighted because I want to be back as soon as possible," he said.

"I hate to be out, especially when it looked like being for the rest of the season. I go back for another X-ray on Monday but that's just precautionary.

"It happened to Peter Duffield last season and he rang me up and described what they would have done in the operation.

"He's been telling me not to do too much too early and to keep my weight off it."

Last night Taylor was still hopeful of bringing in at least one face ahead of tomorrow's match at home to Oxford.

But Sunderland striker Michael Reddy won't be joining on loan until at least next week as he's recovering from a hamstring strain.

Newcastle's Gary Caldwell is training with the first team in Spain and won't return until the weekend, although Bobby Roson has given a loan deal the green light, but chairman Freddie Shepherd has yet to give the go-ahead.

Hartlepool have reduced their £20,000 asking price for Ian Clark, but with transfers having to be completed by noon today to be eligible for tomorrow's game, any signing looks unlikely.

Reserve team coach Gary Bennett has signed non-contract forms with Conference side Scarborough and may play in tonight's clash at Telford.

Scarborough manager Ian Kerr said: "It's no secret that our young defence has been leaking goals and we need someone with the experience and stature of Gary Bennett to steady the ship."

Bennett last week played for Worksop Town.

The next supporters' club meeting is on Tuesday at Feethams' Strikers' Bar (7.30), fronted by Taylor and PR Director Luke Raine

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