Kevin Gall could be back in a Darlington shirt for tomorrow's trip to Port Vale.

He has signed a one-month deal, and will be looking to make a bigger impression than in his last spell with the club a couple of seasons ago, when he was hampered by cracked ribs.

That was a loan spell, but if things go well this time around, it could lead to a longer deal.

Manager Colin Todd said: "He has pace and can score goals, so that will be an asset to us. He also has experience, and as we have a lot of young players that will be useful."

Gall can play wide or up front, and could partner Lee Thorpe tomorrow if Todd decides to rest David Dowson. The manager has already said that he will have to be careful not to overwork his young loanees.

However Jordan Cook and Nathan Porritt are expected to start on the flanks.

"To be fair to them they played against Crewe on Tuesday despite not having a training session with us beforehand, and being short of full fitness," said Todd. "They will offer a lot more as they settle in and train with the squad."

Skipper Steve Foster could be recalled after being rested in midweek, while Rikki Bains looks certain to start for the first time at right back, as Paul Arnison suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday.

Vale have not started the season particularly well, having collected two points from three games. Like Darlington they are still looking for their first win.

However they have a dangerous striker in Marc Richards. He scored against Quakers last season in a 3-1 defeat at vale Park - when Gall set up one of the goals - and was on target in the shock Carling Cup first round win over Sheffield United.