Forgotten man Gaetano Giallanza is keeping his fingers crossed that he will soon return to action and be able to recapture the form he showed for Darlington at the start of the season.

The Swiss striker was a David Hodgson signing at the beginning of the season and began his Quakers career in impressive form, scoring four goals in 13 appearances.

But the last of those games was manager Dave Penney's first in charge, since when Giallanza has missed 24 matches with a knee problem and then a virus.

The knee injury saw him consult a specialist in his homeland and although he is still suffering from the virus, the 32-year-old hopes to be back in action shortly.

He said: "It's been very hard for me. I recovered from the knee injury a long time ago and three weeks ago I was ready to play, but then I got this virus, so I am feeling tired and having headaches. It's getting better so I hope to be back next week and be able to train.

"I went to see a specialist about my knee but it is fine now. Now I have a virus and Martin Smith had it for eight weeks. So I hope I don't have it for so long. I feel better but not like I want to.

"I had some good times at the start of the season but the last few months have been difficult. I'm trying hard to come back but the season is nearly finished."

Since Giallanza's last game, Penney has signed two strikers in Tommy Wright and Gregg Blundell, but the former FC Aarau forward is not concerned about moving down the pecking order and says he would even like to be with Quakers next season.

He said: "The new strikers are competition and it is good for the club, so that is not a problem for me. I just want to start training again and start playing football.

"The most important thing is that the best strikers play and that is up to the manager, he will do what's best for the team.

"I don't think I need to prove myself, I just want to show people I can play like I did at the start of the season."