JAMAICAN international defender Damion Stewart will return to Darlington next week to sign until the end of the season.

Stewart was to have a second trial with Quakers after impressing manager David Hodgson during a recent spell.

However, Hodgson last night revealed that Stewart will be offered a contract with a view to a one-year extension.

"Damion did very well on trial and we feel that he would be an asset," said Hodgson. "We plan to bring him back until the end of the season and then consider him for another year."

While Stewart will become the ninth defender on Quakers' books, Hodgson insists the 6ft 2in stopper will be a valuable addition to the squad.

He said: "Damion is very strong in the air and has plenty of pace, so when a player of his ability comes along we can't ignore it.

"The likes of Craig Liddle and Curtis Fleming aren't going to play forever and players like Joey Hutchinson, Matt Clarke and now Damion are our future."

Hodgson has moved quickly to set the record straight on any club versus country complications .

Quakers face the prospect of being without Stewart later this month when the defender is likely to be involved in three CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying games, against Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Cuba.

"We're aware that Damion will be involved in international games, but we're not prepared to lose him for two or three months," said Hodgson.

Stewart has been playing in Jamaica for Harbour View. He is currently out of contract and will not command a fee. The 24-year-old will also receive international clearance to play for Quakers as Jamaica is in the Commonwealth.

Hodgson will run the rule over former Greece Under-21 international Sokratis Petrou when Quakers reserves meet Notts County today (2pm). The 25-year-old central midfielder is a free agent after leaving Skoda Xanthi.

Quakers' League Two game with Kidderminster at the Williamson Motors Stadium on March 26 has been brought forward two hours to a 1pm kick-off.

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