MARK Proctor last night admitted Darlington have yet to see the best of Bobby Petta and believes now is the time for the enigmatic Dutch winger to deliver.

Since swapping Celtic for Quakers on a free transfer in February, Petta has failed to live up to fans' expectations, despite scoring on his debut at Bury.

While Petta has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent, Proctor believes the 30-year-old must realise his potential to keep Quakers in the play-off hunt.

With two games left David Hodgson's men hold a two-point cushion inside the top seven ahead of tomorrow's trip to Lincoln City.

"I still think Bobby has to produce that end bit of quality that we're looking for," admitted Proctor. "He has shown us what he can do, but now he has to prove himself on a regular basis.

"If you watched Bobby from Monday to Friday he's a terrific talent and I'm sure he's disappointed with his end product. Hopefully that can improve."

Petta will be fit to take his place at Sincil Bank after he was taken off early in the second half against Rushden as a precaution.

"Bobby complained of a tight hamstring and calf against Rushden," said Proctor. "He gave us a couple of early shouts so we took him off before he pulled anything."

Proctor meanwhile is playing down hopes of keeping Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates beyond his current loan deal.

The 18-year-old has been a huge success since joining Quakers on-loan on transfer deadline day.

"We'd love to keep him but he will have to go back to the Premiership where he belongs," said Proctor.

"It's another part of his development coming across here to play some league football.

"I worked with Matthew at Middlesbrough and nothing has surprised me about how well he has done here.

"I think he has a terrific future in the Premiership."

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