THIRD DIVISION rivals Boston United have turned down an approach from Darlington for former striker Peter Duffield - but assistant manager Martin Gray last night insisted the move is not dead.

The Middlesbrough-born forward will be allowed to leave York Street but not until Pilgrims boss Neil Thompson finds a replacement.

The move could well hinge on Thompson's pursuit of Hartlepool striker Adam Boyd on a permanent basis.

Boyd returned to Victoria Park last week after spending two months on loan at York Street, where he scored three goals in ten appearances.

"We approached Boston but they told us they were not in a position to let Duffs go," said Gray.

"I know that he is very keen to join us but after speaking to their manager we can not have him just yet.

"The move is certainly not dead but we just have to wait on other developments."

Duffield scored 13 goals for Quakers before joining York City on a free transfer in 2000.

The forward returned to the North-East at the weekend to play in Sunday's charity match at the Reynolds Arena, where he scored a hat-trick.

"I know it was only a friendly game but Duffs showed that he can score goals and he looked pretty sharp too," said Gray.

Meanwhile, youngster Chris Hughes is in line to break back into David Hodgson's first-team plans for Saturday's visit of Rochdale.

Hughes has struggled to hold down a regular place since Hodgson returned to the club in November, making just five starts.

But with Ryan Valentine serving a one-match ban against Dale, Hodgson has challenged Hughes to stake his claim for a regular run in the side.

"I want to make it clear that no player can expect to walk straight back into the side," said Hodgson.

"It's up to Chris to show me what he can do and if he does well then he will stay in the team.

"This is a good chance for the lad and hopefully he'll make it difficult for me to leave him out."

Meanwhile, Gray has stressed the importance of Saturday's game beating the recent cold snap.

With the cash-strapped club in desperate need of gate receipts, Gray last night called on fans to show their support by helping to clear the frozen Reynolds Arena pitch today.

"It's massively important that this game goes ahead so we will welcome all the help we can get," said Gray. "We've got all the equipment so all people need to do is wrap up warm!"

Quakers trained indoors at Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park complex in Hurworth yesterday and among them was midfielder Clark Keltie, who could return to action at the weekend following injury.

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