FORMER Middlesbrough striker Craig Hignett will learn whether or not he has a future at Leeds United this morning, with Darlington manager David Hodgson standing by to make a move.

Hodgson will step up his efforts to bring in at least one new face before Saturday's trip to Rochdale after the club received clearance from the Football League to come out of administration yesterday.

And Hodgson is ready to offer Hignett a return to the North-East with Quakers if he fails to clinch the deal he wants at Elland Road

Liverpool-born Hignett has been on a short-term contract with Leeds after being freed by Leicester at the end of the season and is keen to sign a one-year deal.

The 34-year-old will sit down with Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell this morning to discuss his future.

But after failing to make an appearance at Elland Road this season, it unlikely that he will be offered the contract he wants.

And with Hodgson ready to step in, Hignett could be a Quakers player before the end of the week.

The signing of Hignett would be a major coup for the club and would signal the end of an exhaustive search for Hodgson, who has been desperate to boost his attacking options since Barry Conlon's departure in May.

Hodgson's cause has not been helped by squad restrictions which were imposed on the club when it was placed into administration last December.

But after yesterday's meeting in London, Hodgson can now step up his efforts to strengthen his squad after the 20-man squad limit was lifted.

Chief executive Andy Battison welcomed the Football League's decision, saying: "Today's developments mean that we are now in a position to move the club forward as an autonomous body, and we intend to take full advantage of this freedom.

"We now have the facility to sign players and make all of the headway that goes along with the ability to do so.

"We hope that developments on the pitch will match the progress the club has made off the pitch during recent months."

Darlington reserves entertain Lincoln City at the Williamson Motors Stadium this afternoon (2pm).

Moroccan international Hicham Zerouali and former Charlton midfielder Adrian Webster are likely to be involved.

l Republic of Ireland's youngsters suffered their worst result for two years - losing 4-2 in Switzerland - on a bitter-sweet night for Stephen Elliott.

The Sunderland striker struck his sixth goal on his tenth appearance at this level to become the under-21s all-time leading scorer. But it wasn't enough for Don Givens' side because they were found badly wanting.

Read more about the Quakers here.