CHRIS Elliott’s return to favour is proof, says Alun Armstrong, that Darlington players will be rewarded with a run in the team in return for good performances when given an opportunity.

The goalkeeper has made the most of Liam Connell being unavailable a handful of times recently, impressing to the extent that is now No. 1 and will play against former club Spennymoor Town on Wednesday.

Elliott had started Quakers’ campaign as first-choice before injury struck, Connell then immediately impressed after arriving on loan from South Shields, but his parent club did not want him appearing in the FA Trophy.

Elliott, a summer signing from Spennymoor for whom he was reserve keeper last season, has played in six of Darlington’s last eight matches, keeping clean sheets against Chester, York and Blyth.

“Chris has improved and his confidence has come back,” said Armstrong. “He had a bad period and he was playing with an injury, so you’ve got to give the lad credit.

“There’s more to come from him, but having a goalkeeper of Liam’s quality on your back lifts your performances. We didn’t have that at the start of the season when we had kids on the bench.

“Liam has been great. I brought Liam in to play and he was outstanding when he came.”

Armstrong also uses Louis Laing’s return to prominence as example to those currently on the fringes of selection.

Terry Galbraith is now fit and awaiting a recall having lost his place due to injury, a reversal of roles as previously it was Laing having to bide his time.

Armstrong added: “Lads have got to earn their shirt when they get the opportunity, and I always tell them ‘if you take your chance then I’ll stick by you’.

“Laingy wasn’t playing a few weeks ago when Tez was in the team, but now Laingy is playing.

“I’m not one who thinks if you have a stinker you’re out the next game, go and put it right in the next game.

“Everyone has a stinker now and again, it happens, especially at this level, you’ve got to have belief in your players, but the lads are at it because they know they’ve got someone behind them desperate to take their place.”