Darlington manager Tommy Taylor was last night hoping to secure the services of Iyesdan Christie from former club Leyton Orient.

Taylor wants striker Christie on loan with a view to signing him permanently in the summer if he impresses over the remainder of the season.

Taylor said: "We've made an offer to split the wages between us and Orient and now I'm just waiting for them to get back to us.

"I would really love to bring Iyesdan in. He's full of pace and he's got a great spring on him - he's smaller than Barry Conlon but he'd beat him in the air."

Christie trained with Quakers for two days this week, but as he only recently recovered from a long lay-off with a knee injury, Taylor wants to have a closer look at the 25-year-old before pressing ahead with a summer move.

As part of any deal, Taylor has agreed not to play Christie when Quakers travel to Orient on Tuesday.

Taylor took Christie to Brisbane Road in the summer of 1999 after the Coventry-born forward spent two years with Mansfield where he scored 18 goals in 44 appearances, plus 37 as substitute.

Darlington supporters may recall Christie was sent off at Feethams in February, 1999 while a Mansfield player during a 5-1 Quakers win.

His two-footed challenge caught David Preece in the chest as the keeper raced out to collect a though-ball.

Mark Ford and Gary Pearson are both back in contention for a first-team return tomorrow against Torquay.

They have recovered from groin and hamstring injuries respectively, but Andy Collett and Craig Liddle still aren't ready.

It is hoped Collett will return on Tuesday at Orient while Liddle may not be back in action until the trip to Exeter a week tomorrow.

Out-of-favour striker Adam Marsh is to stay on loan at Ryman Premier League Hampton and Richmond Borough for a second month.

Darlington Reserves are to take on Newcastle's second string on Wednesday, February 27 (7pm)

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