Former Middlesbrough midfielder Phil Stamp has told David Hodgson he is ready to return to the North-East with Darlington.

Middlesbrough-born Stamp trained with Quakers yesterday after joining the club on trial with a view to a permanent deal.

The 29-year-old is a free agent after rejecting a new contract with Hearts during the summer.

Moves to Coventry and Scunthorpe have failed to materialise after trial spells and Stamp will now try his luck with Quakers.

"Stampy wants to come home and is serious about joining Darlington," Hodgson said last night.

"He had the chance to stay with Hearts for another three years, but he wants to be back in the North-East.

"He's in very good condition and looked very sharp in training. We're taking him for two or three days and we will see what happens from there."

Stamp, who left Boro for Hearts on a free transfer three years ago, has spent the majority of his career as a central midfielder, but can also operate on the right and would provide adequate cover for Neil Wainwright.

Meanwhile, Anthony Peacock will be available for Saturday's trip to Bristol Rovers after making a quick recovery from a back injury.

Despite initial fears that the 20-year-old would struggle to be fit for the weekend, Peacock was able to take part in training yesterday without any problems - just 48 hours after taking the knock against Oxford.

The news will come as a welcome boost for Hodgson, who will be seeking a good response from his players after Saturday's home defeat to Oxford.

"Anthony was still feeling a little bit sore but he will be alright for Saturday," confirmed club physio, Paul Gough.

In addition, goalkeeper Sam Russell will be fit to continue after making his long-awaited return to the side at the weekend. The 22-year-old suffered no adverse reaction from a calf injury after a five-match absence.

Hodgson has signalled his intention to make changes this weekend after what he described as a "diabolical" display against the Us.

Despite recovering from an ankle injury, Jonjo Dickman was left out against Oxford, although the midfielder is one of several players vying for a recall at the Memorial Ground.

New Zealand international Adrian Webster did his first-team chances no harm with his first goal for the club at the weekend, while Hodgson may also reassess his attacking options, with strikers Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu and Clyde Wijnhard standing by.

"We have options and I will carefully consider them before Saturday," said Hodgson. "What we have to do now is get Saturday out of our system and concentrate on putting things right at Bristol."

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