DARLINGTON have opened talks which should see former Middlesbrough midfielder Phil Stamp become a Quakers player within the next 48 hours.

Assistant manager Mark Proctor last night confirmed an offer has been made to the 29-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Hearts during the summer.

Proctor added that Stamp could make his debut against Macclesfield on Friday night, providing documentation from the Scottish FA is processed in time.

A delay in registration details prevented Stamp from making his bow against Boston seven days ago.

But if the Teessider agrees terms, Proctor revealed he expects Stamp to sign on a short-term deal within the next couple of days.

"Stampy has been in for talks and we will be speaking to him again on Tuesday," confirmed Proctor. "We've put forward a short-term offer, with a view to keeping him longer.

"Personally, I expect him to be a Darlington player before the weekend. If he signs in time, I would have no hesitation in playing him against Macclesfield."

Stamp has also attracted interest from two Scottish clubs, although the midfielder has set his heart on a return to the North-East after turning down a new deal with Hearts.

"We've all seen Stampy's quality on the training ground and I have no doubt he will be an asset to us," said Proctor.

"He's had three years in Scotland with Hearts, who wanted to keep him, but now he wants to be back in the North-East, which is great for us."

Quakers are seeking special dispensation to field Stamp in tonight's reserve game at Doncaster Rovers (7pm).

Meanwhile, striker Akpo Sodje didn't train yesterday and remains a major doubt for the Macclesfield game because of his knee injury. Winger Carlos Logan suffered an Achilles injury at Northampton but should recover in time to play on Friday.

Adrian Webster (calf) and Anthony Peacock (ankle) also took knocks, but will be fit.

Brian Close is spending a second week at Lilleshall to continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation and is due to return in a month's time.

Midfielder Clark Keltie is back in training after knee and ankle injuries, although the 22-year-old will not be able to play competitively for another month.

Read more about the Quakers here.