Darlington welcome back striker Barry Conlon for this afternoon's clash with Division Three high-flyers Torquay United with caretaker boss Mick Tait admitting: "We've missed him."

The big Irishman has had to sit out Quakers' last three games through suspension following his sending off against Macclesfield.

And Tait, whose side could extend their unbeaten run in the league to nine games this afternoon, is welcoming Conlon's imminent return to the side.

"It's great to have Baz back because we have missed him," said Tait.

"He's a great player to have in the team because you know he's always capable of ruffling a few feathers with his height.

"We've had some good results without him, but it will be good to have him back."

Matt Clarke is expected to resume defensive duties after his scoring exploits earned Quakers their first win of the year against Kidderminster last week.

Defender Clarke reluctantly answered Tait's half-time SOS call for a striker with two second-half goals. Despite his brace Tait revealed Clarke still prefers to play at the back.

"We know Matt wants to concentrate on playing centre half," said Tait.

"He's a good centre half and he wants to be a better one.

"I can't knock the lad because that's what he wants to do.

"There'll be times when we'll need Matt up there and it's good to have that option.

"His eyes rolled when I asked him to go up front but full credit to him because he did the job for us."

Fifth-placed Torquay, who claimed a point in a 1-1 draw at Feethams just four weeks ago, boast one of the Division's best home records.

Leroy Rosenior's side have been beaten just once at Plainmoor all season - a 4-1 reverse to Hull.

However, Tait insists his side are not making the 750-mile round trip to Devon just to make up the numbers.

"It's a long way and even longer if you come away with nothing," said Tait.

"We'll be going down there and hopefully be coming back with a point or three.

"We've just got to go out there, go about our job in the right way and continue to perform like we have been away from home.

"We don't worry about who we play anymore because we know we are capable of coming away with something.

"We just have to make sure we perform on the day.

"But it's a very difficult place to go and get a result, as they've shown this season."

Quakers are unbeaten in their last five away outings and the only defeat they have suffered on their travels under Tait came at second-placed Rushden, where they were unfortunate not to come away with a point.

Tait is confident his side can take at least a point this afternoon.

"We've been to more difficult places before and came away with something," said Tait.

"We're not going to kid ourselves though because this is going to be a tough game.

"It hasn't always been the hardest of places to go but it has been this season."

Tait may well welcome a point today but with four draws in their last five league outings the former Hartlepool boss feel it is important to start winning games.

"Facts are facts and we have drawn too many games," bemoaned Tait.

"We know that we should have won most of them but that's the way it goes.

"What we must ensure is that we go out there and perform the way we know we can."

On-loan striker Richard Offiong is expected to keep his place up front alongside the returning Conlon, despite suffering a knock in training during the week.

Winger Neil Wainwright is also available after serving a one-match ban, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench if Tait opts to stick with three centre halves.

Other than one or two slight niggles Tait has no major injury problems to contend with.

The Gulls, meanwhile, could hand a debut to full-back Kevin Amankwaah, who this week joined the club on loan from Bristol City.

Defender Steve Woods is out with a knee injury, however, Rosenior is boosted by the return to fitness of Jason Fowler, Lee Canoville and Tony Bedeau.

Read more about the Quakers here.