DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson last night confirmed his interest in keeping Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham until the end of the season.

Graham has yet to start a competitive game for Quakers, making two substitute appearances since joining the club on a month's loan a fortnight ago.

However, he is in line for his first start at Boston at the weekend after hitting a brace in the reserves 4-1 win over a Newcastle XI on Tuesday.

Hodgson will hold talks with Boro boss Steve McClaren to discuss the possibility of extending the forward's stay as the club bids to steer clear of relegation.

The fans' TASK fund is covering Graham's wages and with McClaren happy to monitor the 18-year-old's progress at the Reynolds Arena, Hodgson is hopeful of hanging on to the forward.

"Danny is a smashing young lad and I would love to keep him," said Hodgson.

"Middlesbrough have been excellent with us and hopefully they will allow us. This is a good move for Danny because it gives him the experience to progress as a player.''

Hodgson, meanwhile, has urged fans across the North-East to show their support for the cash-strapped club after revealing plans for a second charity match, to be held on Sunday, April 25.

In January, two all-star games at the Reynolds Arena helped raise over £130,000.

However, the club is still losing money and Hodgson hopes the game - which will feature ex-pros representing their respective home nations in a mini four-team tournament - will help provide extra funds.

Former Wales defender Kevin Ratcliffe is assembling a Welsh side. Ex-Newcastle and England star Chris Waddle will put together an English team, whilst one-time Scotland keeper Bryan Gunn is arranging a Scottish team. Hodgson is also hoping to persuade an ex-Irish star to form an Ireland side.

"The charity match in January was an excellent success and I hope this will be just as good," said Hodgson. "Unfortunately, we have not been getting the crowds we need and hopefully this will go some way in helping."

The game will run in conjunction with a separate charity game, arranged by Darlington fan Paul 'Flipper' Hodgson.

A percentage of the proceeds from that game - which will feature a host of soap stars - will go towards the Percy Hedley Foundation.

Teenage defender Darren Craddock may have played his way into the Hartlepool United first-team, as the club try to recover from the loss of Micky Nelson.

The commanding defender faces up to a month on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury in last Saturday's defeat to Brentford.

Nelson was walking without the aid of crutches yesterday, but assistant manager Martin Scott admits he doesn't know how long he will be out.

And, after an impressive show in the reserves' 4-0 win over Doncaster yesterday, Craddock could be part of a defensive reshuffle at Brighton on Saturday.

Scott said: "He (Nelson) is suffering from quite bad bruising and it is very uncomfortable for him because it is right on the base of his foot.

"He is certainly out of Saturday and next Tuesday's games and after that we don't know yet.''

Pool eased to victory yesterday with goals from Andy Appleby, Ryan McCann, Anthony Sweeney and Steven Carson.

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