Darlington manager Gary Bennett last night denied that star defender Craig Liddle has submitted a transfer request.

It was believed that Liddle, who recently signed a new deal, has asked to leave - but Bennett strongly denied the claims.

"There is nothing in it at all. He hasn't submitted a request," said Bennett. "Craig can play at a higher level, there is no doubt about that.

"He has been tremendous this season, week in and week out. His ambitions are high, but if they weren't like that, then there would be something wrong with him. The club has to be as ambitious as Craig, and that is what myself and the club are striving for."

Liddle, who was part of the PFA Divisional Team last season, announced last summer that he wanted to leave, but relented and signed a new three-year deal in the autumn.

There was plenty of interest in him at the time, with Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Preston all watching developments.

He will, however, be missing in the near future, as his fifth yellow card of the season at Lincoln means he will be suspended for the home game with Shrewsbury on February 10 .

In the wake of Liddle's alleged request Bennett pointed out that team spirit is improving, especially after the 2-2 draw at Lincoln on Saturday.

"The comings and goings since the summer created one or two problems,'' he confessed.

"But the spirit is very good in the camp. The players proved that on Saturday when they battled back into the game at Lincoln. We have now gone three away games unbeaten.

"The players all stick together in the changing room, and when a player is left out he still gives his best when he's called upon."

Bennett added to his squad yesterday by signing 19-year-old Mark Convery from Sunderland.

The midfielder has been unable to force his way into the reserve and first team picture at the Stadium of Light and Sunderland manager Peter Reid, after sending him out on loan to a Danish club at the start of the season, has told him that he can go.

The player passed a medical yesterday morning, and Bennett said: "He has the ability to play on either the left or the right side of midfield, and is an intelligent player.

"Peter Reid is inundated with players, and sent him to Denmark at the start of the season for experience. Mark will add a little bit to the squad."

Darlington's reserves are at home to Scunthorpe tomorrow night, kick off 7pm