Matt Clarke will be sparing a thought for Joey Hutchinson when he leads Darlington out against Peterborough United this weekend.

Clarke was recently reinstated as Quakers captain after Hutchinson suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury at Carlisle United on Boxing Day.

Hutchinson, who succeeded Clarke as club skipper last month, will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining his second serious knee injury in as many seasons.

"It was a terrible blow to lose Joey and we're all keeping our fingers crossed that he'll back sooner rather than later," said Clarke.

"He's a great defender and I'm sure he'll be a big loss and all the lads are wishing him a speedy recovery. I'm sure if he'd been fit last season we would have made the play-offs."

And, while Clarke would have preferred to have retained the armband in better circumstances, he will again relish the responsibility.

Clarke was first appointed captain at the beginning of last season, succeeding Craig Liddle.

"It's always a great honour captaining your side and something you dream of when you're a kid," said Clarke.

"Of course, if I had the choice, we would all like Joey fit and captaining the team.

"It was nice that the manager turned to me when Joey got injured and, like before, I will be wearing the armband with pride.

"Last season it was quite daunting replacing Craig Liddle as captain because he gave everything for the club and the fans worshipped him.

"He was a hard act to follow, but I'm quite happy with what I've achieved as captain."

After Quakers' five-match unbeaten run was brought to an end at Notts County last weekend, Clarke wants to return to winning ways for the visit of Posh.

"We wanted to get as many points as possible over the Christmas period, which would put us in good stead for the New Year and it has," said Clarke.

"There's a long way to go yet but we've just got to keep on going.

"Hopefully we can pick up another three points in our next game and get that run going again."

Meanwhile, former Middlesbrough striker Andy Campbell has been linked with a move to Darlington.

Currently at Cardiff City, Campbell is surplus to requirements at Ninian Park and this season spent time on loan with Oxford United for whom he played against Quakers this season.

Manager David Hodgson was interested in bringing the 25-year-old back to the region last March but is hopeful of resurrecting a deal for a player who cost the Bluebirds almost £1m to sign from Boro in March 2002.

* Ipswich are poised to sign Republic of Ireland striker Alan Lee from Cardiff.

The 27-year-old, set to cost £100,000. has agreed terms on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

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