Scouser Craig Hignett sees his return to the North-East Darlington as a homecoming. The former Middlesbrough favourite tells sports writer Lee Hall of his love affair with the region.

Darlington subs (from): Price (gk), Hughes, Maddison, Clark, Coghlan, Mason, Thomas, Wainwright, Convery, Russell

Southend subs (from): Edwards, Hunt, Gray, Broughton, Nicolau, Corbett, Kightly

DARLINGTON: Clyde Wijnhard is in line to make his Quakers debut after joining the club on Thursday. Wijnhard is likely to partner Alun Armstrong in attack. Craig Hignett could drop into midfield after recovering from a groin strain. Ian Clark is back in contention after recovering from an ankle injury. Brian Close could keep his place in defence in Curtis Fleming's absence (knee) after impressing in the LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: Fleming (knee), Hutchinson (knee)

Last five League games: LDDDD

Top Scorer: Clarke, Hignett 2

SOUTHEND: Striker Jim Corbett may have to settle for a place on the bench against his old club, despite scoring the decisive penalty against Colchester United in the LDV Vans Trophy in midweek. Tes Bramble will partner Lawrie Dudfield in attack. Goalkeeper Bart Griemink (knee) and Jay Smith (ankle) are ruled out.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: Griemink (knee), Smith (ankle)

Last five League games: WWLWW

Top Scorer: Adam Barrett 5

Key player: Barrett - Towering central defender has a real presence in opposing boxes

Head-to-head: Darlington 7, Southend 13, Draws 10

Last season: 0-0

Reugen Page odds: H11-10,

A 2-1, D9-4

Bet of the day: Darlington drawing at half time but winning at full time 4-1

Referee: Clive Oliver (Ashington) Y24 R3 Av 3.3

It's a fact: Quakers have not lost by more than one goal in the league since November - a 3-1 defeat at Oxford

Comment by LEE HALL: Home form must improve if Quakers are to make any impression on League Two and in-form Southend will provide a stern test of their credentials

Prediction: 2-0