DEFENDER David McGurk is delighted to be back in Darlington manager David Hodgson's first-team plans and hopes his recent re-emergence is more than just a brief appearance.

McGurk has spent the majority of the season on the periphery of Hodgson's thoughts, at the tail-end of the defensive pecking order.

He almost joined York City on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell earlier this season before his hopes of breaking back into the Quakers side were dashed when he suffered a knee injury in December.

However, McGurk has not looked back since stepping in for the injured Curtis Fleming last month, making five successive starts - his best run in the side since October 2003.

The 22-year-old's performances have kept Fleming on the bench in the last three games, despite the former Republic of Ireland international's return to fitness following a hamstring problem.

"I've been given the chance and the pressure is on me to keep on performing," said McGurk. "I know I have to play well in one game to keep my place next time because there are players ready to come in and take my place.

"There is a lot of competition in the team and I have struggled to get a place this season.

"Injuries haven't helped, but it's up to me to prove to the manager that I'm worth a regular place in the team now."

Yesterday, McGurk was named in the Football League's Coca-Cola League Two team-of-the-week after his goal secured Quakers' 1-0 win over Boston United at the weekend.

And, with skipper Craig Liddle struggling with a recurrence of a stomach injury, McGurk is likely to keep his place in the starting XI against top-of-the-table Yeovil Town this weekend.

Clyde Wijnhard, Alun Armstrong and Neil Wainwright are available again after suspension.

Quakers' attacking options will be boosted further by the return of Craig Hignett. He returned to training last week after a groin problem.

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