Darlington caretaker boss Mick Tait says he has no intention of resting midfielder Clark Keltie, despite concerns over physical burn-out. He feels that a spell out of the side would be of no benefit to the youngster.

Newcastle-born Keltie has featured in all but one of Tait's 15 games in charge - he was absent at Oxford through suspension - making the central midfield berth his own alongside Ashley Nicholls, forcing experienced duo Neil Maddison and Mark Ford out of the side.

Tait, who handed Keltie his full debut at Exeter almost three months ago, rejected suggestions that the 19-year-old was in need of a rest.

"People go on about how young players get burnt out and need the rest but Clark is not that kind of player," said Tait.

"He is an outstanding young player who just loves to play football.

"You only have to watch him train during the week to see how much he loves playing.

"I don't think a rest would benefit him at all."

Keltie's phenomenal emergence under Tait has not gone unnoticed, with several bigger clubs known to have made checks on the midfielder.

And despite his form, Tait believes Keltie has not been getting the credit he deserves.

"Clark has been superb for us this season, although people don't seem to say as much when he's playing well," said Tait.

"He's the kind of player you love to have in your team and I would find it very difficult to leave him out."

Tait also singled out in-form winger Richard Hodgson for special praise.

"We all know what Hodgy is capable of and now that he's added a bit more consistency to his game he seems to be reaping the rewards," said Tait.

"I told him what I expected from him and he's responded in the right way.

"He's now working a lot harder in games and I think his positional sense has improved too."

* Colombian Faustino Asprilla, who almost joined Quakers in August, has signed for Chilean side Universidad de Chile on a one-year deal.

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