DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has admitted Sam Russell's return to fitness has provided him with a goalkeeper dilemma.

While Russell's recovery from a calf problem will come as a huge boost, Hodgson must decide on whether to hand last season's player of the year a recall at Mansfield this weekend or keep faith with the ever-improving Bert Bossu.

Hodgson has been impressed with Bossu, despite a shaky start to the Frenchman's Quakers career. Bossu made his debut in the 3-1 Carling Cup defeat at Hartlepool, before conceding four at Chester on his league debut four days later.

However, the former Gillingham stopper has played a major part in helping Quakers secure four points from their last two games.

Russell, an ever-present last season, has missed the last four games after a blood clot developed on his calf after taking a knock in the 1-0 win at Grimsby.

"Bert had a bad start, but he's proving a lot of people wrong now," said Hodgson. "Sam is always going to be difficult to replace, but I think Bert has done a fantastic job.

"I don't think Bert has received the credit he deserves because he has made some fantastic, crucial saves.

"Obviously, with Sam on his way back, I have plenty to think about."

Hodgson, whose side could drop to fifth tonight if Grimsby win at Chester, is also boosted by the return of skipper Matt Clarke this weekend after a one-match ban. Clarke will be welcomed back at the expense of Dutchman Shelton Martis.

Brian Close will be given the go-ahead to resume full training next week after an ankle injury. The 23-year-old has yet to make an appearance this season after undergoing surgery.

Midfielder Clark Keltie went under the surgeon's knife on Saturday and will face another six weeks on the sidelines. Keltie returned to training at the beginning of the season after seven months out with cruciate knee ligament damage. However, the luckless 22-year-old now faces a further spell out after an ankle operation.

l Darlington's new away strip is now on sale. Prices: adult shirt £36, junior shirt £30, adult shorts £13, junior shorts £10, socks £6.

l Mansfield boss Carlton Palmer was back on the training ground yesterday after spending the weekend pondering his Field Mill future.

Palmer, whose side face Darlington at the weekend, blew his top following Town's 3-1 defeat at Chester which left Mansfield without a win in five games.

Read more about the Quakers here.