JOEY HUTCHINSON is no longer a stranger to Darlington boss David Hodgson.

Back in November, Hodgson returned to a club which barely resembled the one he departed acrimoniously five years earlier, with Craig Liddle, Andy Collett and Martin Gray the sole survivors.

Starting on an even keel with the rest of the squad, Hodgson admitted Hutchinson's future was as uncertain as the club's when he took over the reins for a third time.

While vowing to give every player their chance to impress, Hutchinson was left on the bench by Hodgson in his first game at non-league Hornchurch.

It wasn't until after Quakers' humiliating FA Cup exit that Hodgson realised how costly his decision to omit Hutchinson was.

With lessons learned in the harshest of circumstances, the 21-year-old has since established himself as an ever-present, alongside Craig Liddle and Matt Clarke.

Hutchinson has been a revelation since joining the club from Birmingham City on a free transfer last summer, and in January Hodgson turned down an approach from Second Division Swindon for the Teessider.

"When I first arrived I must admit I knew very little about Joey," said Hodgson.

"In my first game at Hornchurch I made the mistake of leaving him on the bench. It was only after getting to know the lads that I realised what Joey was all about.

"He's a fantastic young player with a lot going for him.

"He's quick, reads the game well and knows exactly what's going on around him."

However, a hamstring injury will prevent Hutchinson from playing at home to third-placed Torquay this afternoon.

The defender has resumed light training, but with eight games remaining and Quakers just four points clear of the relegation zone, it looks increasingly unlikely that Hutchinson will play a part today.

"Joey will want to play but I've got to be sensible and decide whether we let him play and risk him missing five matches or rest him and give him the opportunity of another week's recovery," said Hodgson.

"If the Torquay game was do-or-die I would play him. But that's not the case because we have another seven games left after this one."

David McGurk and Brian Close will contend for Hutchinson's place, alongside Liddle and Matt Clarke, who has recovered from a dead leg.

Hodgson must also decide whether to keep faith with on-loan Sunderland striker Neil Teggart - who has failed to score in six starts - or hand a full debut to fellow loanee Danny Graham, who scored for the reserves in midweek.

Torquay, fresh from a 3-0 win over Cambridge in midweek, welcome back winger Tony Bedeau following a three-match ban. Alex Russell faces a late fitness test on a calf injury.

Despite Torquay having lost just one of their last 12 matches, Hodgson remains unnerved after seeing his side earn a point at Doncaster.

"We can't lose tomorrow and I don't think we will," said Hodgson.

"Torquay are a really good footballing side and they've done brilliantly this season. When it comes to current form we're up there with the best and I'm sure the Torquay game will be a good test

"I know we're capable of beating the best and the most important thing is my players know that."

* Stuart Murdoch will ask for a new contract when Wimbledon come out of administration, despite admitting he has led them to relegation.

Football in Division Two is looming as the Dons are 24 points from safety with only 30 to play for - and they have lost ten successive games.

But half Murdoch's squad were sold this season and he hopes music mogul Pete Winkelman bears this in mind when his takeover goes through next month.

He said: ''I'm on a rolling contract and the first thing I need to sort out is my own situation.

''I won't be judged on this season because I think I had a reasonable season last year, despite the turmoil. I'd like to to be given a chance in a more stable situation, and I hope the new owners look at that in a kind light.

''I know the club and what's needed. It's time we nail things down and make sure everyone feels they've got a future.''

* Reading have extended Paul Brooker's loan from Leicester until the end of the season.

Even though the transfer deadline has passed, Reading are able to extend the agreement because the existing loan arrangement is still current.

Brooker said: "I am delighted. Working under Steve Coppell again has been good."

Read more about the Quakers here.