Darlington manager David Hodgson will make a decision on Nice striker Franck Padovani by the end of the week.

The 19-year-old Frenchman played in yesterday's behind-closed-doors friendly with Scottish First Division side, Queen of the South, at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Just hours after linking up with the Quakers squad for the first time after flying into the country on Tuesday night, Padovani, available on a season-long loan, featured for the full 90 minutes of the 3-1 defeat, showing some good touches without seeing many opportunities in front of goal.

Despite Tuesday's signing of striker Alun Armstrong until the end of the season, Hodgson is keen to bolster his attacking options and Padovani will be one player he will be seriously considering.

The Quakers boss also ran the rule over Norwegian winger Tore Hansen, who has returned to the club after spending last week on trial at League Two rivals, Macclesfield. Like Padovani, Hansen showed plenty of promise as a second-half substitute and his lively performance should warrant a second look.

Individual errors cost Quakers dear after substitute Andrew Bulford had given Quakers a 51st-minute lead. The visitors drew level after a mistake from Joe Kendrick, before a misplaced pass from substitute Michael Coghlan allowed Queens to score a second. The Scottish side wrapped up victory with a third goal four minutes from time.

Meanwhile, skipper Craig Liddle could return to action within four weeks. The former Middlesbrough defender is currently sidelined with a hernia and is due to undergo surgery. However, Hodgson revealed Liddle could be available sooner than anticipated.

The Quakers boss has no fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday's trip to Boston United. Victory at York Street could take fifth-placed Quakers up to third in League Two.

Darlington Reserves: Price, Valentine, Kendrick, Mason, Gregorio (Hansen 45min), Convery, Hughes, Keltie (Coghlan 45min), St Juste, Padovani, Russell (Bulford 45min).

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