DARLINGTON'S Craig Hignett is winning his battle to be fit in time to face Southend United tomorrow.

While the rest of the squad were given the day off yesterday, Hignett trained at the Williamson Motors Stadium, before undergoing treatment.

Hignett has not played since pulling up with a groin strain in the 1-1 draw with Northampton Town 13 days ago.

But he has resumed light training and admitted: "I'm just about there and I will be training with the rest of the lads on Friday."

"I've done plenty of running in the last three days and I feel fine so hopefully I will be OK to play on Saturday.

"I have a lot more work to do before I'm fully match fit but the little niggle I had has gone."

Providing Hignett proves his fitness to manager David Hodgson today, the former Middlesbrough man is aiming to maintain his 100 per-cent scoring record.

Hignett has netted in both appearances - against Rochdale and Northampton - and admitted: "Once you get into a run you want to keep it going and I'll be expecting to get another.

"I've been looking forward to getting back and hopefully I can continue where I left off."

The return of Hignett will come as a welcome boost for Hodgson, who was this week dealt a major blow when defender Curtis Fleming was ruled out for up to seven weeks with a knee injury.

Striker Alun Armstrong was rested for the LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Mansfield Town on Tuesday night and will return.

Meanwhile, the club expect to Clyde Wijnhard to sign a short-term contract today.

Sunderland and Oldham have been interested in the Dutchman but Hodgson says Wijnhard will sign in time for tomorrow's game.

The 30-year-old has been keen to join Quakers and even travelled from his Leeds home to watch them in action at Field Mill on Tuesday.

* West Brom manager Gary Megson admits he feels under extra pressure ahead of tomorrow's home Barclays Premiership clash with Bolton.

Baggies are without a win and Megson said: ''There is bound to be a little bit more pressure."

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