After missing four games with a groin strain, winger Neil Wainwright is back in the frame for a place in the Darlington team which takes on Rushden and Diamonds at Feethams tomorrow.

The ex-Sunderland wide-man played the full 90 minutes against York City's second string on Wednesday evening and, despite tiring towards the end of the 4-1 defeat, is now ready for first team action.

"He's in contention again," said assistant manager Mick Tait. "He got a bit sore towards the end of the game and he came in this morning for training a bit tired but that's to be expected.''

Since signing a week into the season, Warrington-born Wainwright has only shown glimpses of the player Darlington fans know he can be, but Tait explained there is more to come when he reaches full fitness.

Tait said: "He's missed quite a lot of pre-season anyway so he's been unlucky to get the injury now.

"He's being getting nearer to full fitness. When he first came in he was knackered after an hour of his first match, then he worked his way up to 70 minutes and then he got the injury. It's almost like starting again for him.''

David Brightwell (cracked toe) and Neil Maddison (bruised foot) have also been sidelined through injury, but neither will be involved against Rushden although the pair are nearing full fitness.

"David trained this morning but he's still very sore so I think Saturday might come a bit too soon,'' added Tait.

"The same goes for Neil. He's getting very near but he might not be ready for Saturday."

The injured trio have had their positions filled admirably by Alex Jeannin, Brian Atkinson and Mark Convery, with Atkinson enjoying his best spell in a Quakers' shirt for some time.

Tait said: "The injuries are not such a worry when you've got a bigger squad but you're still hoping that the lads in the team don't get a knock because they're doing well at the moment."

Atkinson has got on the scoresheet just the once this season, his goal being the first in the derby win Hartlepool, but came close to doubling that total with an exquisite chip in the early stages during Tuesday's draw at Macclesfield.

Midfield partner Mark Ford has netted four times, something Tait is delighted with.

"One thing we have spoken about is where are we going to get goals from apart from the strikers?'' he admitted.

"We've just encouraged people to get into the box from different areas and it's been working well.

"We'd love one of the front two to end up with 20-25 goals this year which would be ideal for the team but as long as it's going well that's what we need."