ALUN ARMSTRONG will make his Darlington debut tomorrow, with manager David Hodgson confident his new striker will benefit from his return to the North-East.

Despite signing Armstrong on a short-term deal this week, Hodgson is under no illusions that the former Middlesbrough man is effectively in the shop window at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

The 29-year-old was freed by Ipswich Town during the summer.

After seeing moves to Bristol City and Rotherham United fail to materialise, Armstrong put pen-to-paper on a three-month deal on Tuesday.

A catalogue of injury setbacks at Portman Road left clubs reluctant to sign Armstrong.

The Tynesider will line up against Northampton Town tomorrow, hoping to convince prospective buyers otherwise.

And Hodgson believes that can only benefit both parties.

He said: "We know what the situation is and it is up to Alun to prove himself while he is with us.

"If he can get a few goals and earn himself a move then that's something we have to accept.

"But at least we have the opportunity for Alun to do well while he is with us. It's a good move all-round really."

And Hodgson will be banking on a bumper crowd to welcome Armstrong and ex-Boro teammate Craig Hignett tomorrow

Hignett will make his home debut after his late header rescued a point at Rochdale last weekend. And with Boro playing at Everton on Sunday, Quakers' growing contingent of former Boro stars is likely to attract extra interest from across the A66.

Defender Joey Hutchinson is winning his battle to be fit. Matt Clarke is standing by to replace Hutchinson, who picked up a knee injury last week.

* Eifion Williams should be fit to face his old club Torquay tomorrow. The Hartlepool striker sat out the defeat at Oldham after suffering a hip injury. But Williams is ready to resume up front against Torquay after training yesterday.

Read more about the Quakers here.