DARLINGTON’S Jamie Holmes is “ahead of schedule” in his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury, though Alun Armstrong does expect to see him play before the end of this season.

He has been on the sick list since August, when he suffered an injury in the second match of the campaign against Gateshead at Blackwell Meadows.

Team-mate Luke Trotman ruptured an Achilles tendon in the same game and hopes to make an appearance before the campaign ends.

Holmes, however, a summer signing from Blyth Spartans, must wait a little longer for his comeback.

Armstrong said: “Jamie is flying and he’s way ahead of schedule, but I can’t see the point in rushing the kid back.

“We might as well write the season off, and then get him back nice and fresh in July raring to go.

“People saw in pre-season how good he is, hopefully he will get himself back fit and start producing the goods on the pitch.

“He is working extremely hard and is doing everything that is asked of him.”

Quakers are at Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow and while Michael Liddle is “ahead of schedule”, says Armstrong, the left-back is not ready to return just yet, striker while Gary Martin is nursing a slight calf issue.