DAVID Hodgson last night reassured David Duke that his chance will come after admitting the Scottish defender hasn't had the best of starts to his Darlington career.

Duke has been a peripheral figure in Hodgson's first team plans since joining Quakers during the summer.

Hodgson admits it has been difficult to offer Duke more than the two starts he has made, especially with the emergence of Shelton Martis as a stand-in right-back.

Duke was suspended for the opening day draw at Rushden, paving the way for central defender Martis to stake his claim.

"If there is anyone at the club I feel sorry for it's David," said Hodgson. "He hasn't been able to make the kind of impact we know he would have wanted. But all that came about because he was suspended.''

Despite making most of his 200-plus Swindon appearances as a left-sided player, Duke can also play on the right.

"We've played him out on the right and I'm sure he will only get better," said Hodgson.

"At the moment he has been the unfortunate one, but I'm sure he will take that chance when it comes."

Goalkeeper Sam Russell trained yesterday and could play for the reserves in tonight's Pontins Holiday League East clash with Hartlepool at Billingham Town (7pm).

"Sam has looked pretty solid in training but I'm still not convinced we can throw him straight back into the Mansfield game after missing the last few weeks," said Hodgson.

"There is a possibility he will play on Wednesday."

Meanwhile, former Darlington striker Alun Armstrong is on trial at Colchester United and will play for the Us' reserves against Milton Keynes this afternoon.

Read more about the Quakers here.