WILSON KNEESHAW is nearing a return from a long-term injury and manager Alun Armstrong wants to give him an opportunity with Darlington once he has proven his fitness.

The striker spent the final three months of last season with Darlington but ruptured an achilles in April.

Although out of contract, Darlington-based Kneeshaw has maintained contact with Quakers throughout his recovery, taking part in training sessions and working with physio Danny O’Connor.

The next step is to play regular football, and Armstrong said: “Wilson is coming on nicely. The best thing for him is to go and play games somewhere to get himself fit.

“He can still train with us, but if he can get himself match-fit somewhere and up to speed then I can have a good look at him.

“That way I can keep an eye on him and see if he would help us. I’ve always wanted to give him an opportunity because he got injured with us – you’ve got to give him a chance.

“I’ve known him since he was at Boro. He had one year at under 18 level where he was ridiculous, scoring goals for fun, but he needs to get back on the pitch now.”

Also working hard on a return to action after injury is David Atkinson.

The summer signing from Blyth Spartans, who took part in a running session on the pitch before Darlington’s win over Chester last Saturday, sustained an ankle injury soon after joining Quakers.

“He’s way ahead of schedule which is great,” explained Armstrong. “He is doing some work now and it will be a big bonus if we can get him back in mid-January.

“He can play right-back and centre-mid, the same as Ben Hedley. Ben has done well but sometimes he look like he needs a rest.”

Armstrong is close to adding a midfielder to his ranks, though there will be no new additions before tomorrow’s trip to Solihull Moors in the FA Trophy, while he is hopeful of signing Gary Martin in January. The Darlington-born striker is attached to Icelandic club IBV, but has been training with Quakers.