Darlington's caretaker manager Mick Tait is predicting a bright future for youngster Clark Keltie.

The emergence of Keltie has been one of many positives to come from Tait's short time in charge, which has seen Quakers take five points from three games. The midfielder was given his chance to impress in Tommy Taylor's final game at Stockport and the 19-year-old hasn't looked back since.

"He's been the best player on the pitch in all four games he's played for us so he's doing something right," said Tait.

"We've always known the lad had talent, but he just needed to add one or two bits to his game.

"He's been bursting to get into the team. He's been playing so well and training so well."

The performances of Keltie and Ashley Nicholls in the middle have left the experienced Mark Ford and Neil Maddison kicking their heels on the sidelines. And Tait doesn't see any reason why Keltie can't go on to achieve greater things.

"He's a dedicated lad and I can't see anyway that he won't play at a higher level," said Tait.

While Lincoln's style of play wasn't pretty, it was certainly effective with the ball spending more time in the air than on the ground.

"We tried to keep the ball on the ground as much as we could, but when it's bobbling about a bit you just have to help it on

"We like to get the ball on the ground and pass it.

"That's what we're best at and that's what we will continue to do. It's not always free-flowing football. And even though we've tried to do it not every team you play against does and you have to learn to prise open difficult defences.

"The youngsters have learned how hard it is in Third Division football that's for sure."

Unbeaten in his first three games in charge, Tait admitted he hasn't done his chances of getting the job permanently any damage. "The chairman was delighted after the Scunthorpe game, and said the supporters seemed to be delighted with the way we played," said Tait.

"If we can keep on performing like that then I'm not doing myself any harm."

With no midweek game Tait takes his side to Rushden's impressive Nene Park on Saturday.

"It's a lovely place and hopefully we can continue to build on the performances we've put in so far," said Tait.

"We'll go there and give them a game that's for sure."

Read more about the Quakers here.