TWO in, one out and Darlington's striker merry-go-round could take another twist this weekend with the future of Tresor Kandol next on David Hodgson's agenda.

Quakers completed the double signing of Burnley's Kyle Lafferty and Everton's Paul Hopkins on month-long loan deals yesterday - 48 hours after striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu controversially walked out on the club.

Kandol is unavailable for today's trip to Notts County after his loan deal expired. Hodgson is due to make a decision on the Dagenham & Redbridge forward over the next couple of days.

The Daggers are demanding a fee, in the region of £50,000 for the 24-year-old. Quakers are reluctant to meet Dagenham's valuation but league rivals Wycombe are contemplating a bid.

Following Ndumbu-Nsungu's exit - having previously pledged to see out the season with Quakers - Kandol's ineligibility and Akpo Sodje and Simon Johnson suspensions, Hodgson was facing a striker crisis.

But, after yesterday's breakthrough, Quakers will boast a new-look forward line.

"With Guy gone and Sodje and Simon suspended, we've had to act fast," said assistant manager Mark Proctor. "There are still question marks over Tresor so something needed to be done."

Belfast-born Lafferty has made five substitute appearances for Burnley this season and Clarets boss Steve Cotterill believes the move will benefit the Northern Ireland Under-19 international.

"That's a nice little opportunity for him and I think he does need that," said Cotterill.

"Kyle is one of those players we need to send out on loan and hopefully he'll go and do well and come back a better player for it.

"It'll be a massive experience for him because there's no point in him playing in the youth team and reserves, we need him to go out there where it counts and see him stick his neck on the line and go and score some goals."

While Cotterill considers Lafferty a part of his long-term plans at Turf Moor, Hopkins joins Quakers with a view to a permanent move.

Liverpool-born Hopkins signed professional terms with Everton in February 2005 and can also operate on the right wing. He made his England Under-20s debut in August 2005 and has been a regular in the Goodison reserve side.

"I have watched Hopkins on three or four occasions and he is an exciting young player who is technically good, very strong, and has great movement," said Hodgson.

"Lafferty gives me another option up front as he is a big, powerful lad who will cause defenders all sorts of problems."

As in-form Quakers look to extend their unbeaten run to six games this afternoon, Proctor is fearful of the impact Ndumbu-Nsungu's departure could have on their recent revival.

Ironically, Notts County were also interested in Ndumbu-Nsungu, before the Congolese forward agreed to discuss terms with Cardiff.

"We've managed to get a good momentum going and it's a nightmare to lose Guy when things are going so well," said Proctor. "It's put everything in jeopardy when we've been in such a wonderful position.

"We had good December, but it could all go a bit Pete Tong at Notts County after what has happened."

After two wins and two draws over the Christmas period, Quakers have risen to tenth in League Two and lie just one point outside the play-offs.

"We've had a good month and we're back in the thick of it again," said Proctor.

"It's important that we continue to chip away and pick up points.''

In 13 visits to the black and white half of Nottingham, Quakers have failed to record a victory. However, Proctor insists such a negative statistic can only bring out the positives in Hodgson's side.

"Records are there to be broken and it's a great incentive for us," said Proctor.

Back in September, Quakers and County contested a top-of-the-table clash. But, since playing out a 1-1 draw at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena, both sides have slipped down the table. County are one point behind Quakers in the 13th position.

"We've both fallen away a little bit and this is a good opportunity for both sides to get back amongst it," said Proctor. "It should be a cracking game."

Midfielders Anthony Peacock and Phil Stamp are available after viruses. Defender David McGurk, is unavailable after picking up an ankle injury.

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