DAVID HODGSON last night reassured midfielder Stephen Thomas that a temporary move away from the club could enhance his long-term prospects at the Darlington Football Stadium, writes Lee Hall.

On the same day that striker Clyde Wijnhard turned down a loan move to Mansfield, Thomas has been made available for loan by Hodgson, who feels the 26-year-old would benefit from gaining first-team football elsewhere.

Despite recovering from a spate of injury setbacks suffered in his first year at the club, Thomas has been unable to force his way into Hodgson's plans this campaign, making just one appearance as a second half substitute appearance at Rushden on the opening day of the season.

However, Hodgson has stressed Thomas does still have a future at the club and believes the former Wrexham midfielder can prove his worth out on loan.

"I have to respect that Stephen needs to be playing regular first-team football and if the opportunity comes along to do that we will not stand in his way," said Hodgson.

"He had a terrible time with injuries last season, but now that he's fit he feels that it's important to be playing. We've made his availability known and I don't think a spell out on loan will do him any harm at all."

Thomas will hope to attract any interested parties when he plays in tonight's home reserve game with Lincoln (7pm).

Wijnhard is also expected to feature tonight after vowing to fight for his Quakers place, 24 hours after rebuffing an approach from Mansfield.

Wijnhard was dropped after the Carling Cup defeat at Hartlepool United and has started the last four games from the bench.

But, despite a one-month loan approach from the Stags, Wijnhard wants to stay in the North-East.

Goalkeeper Sam Russell will return to full training this morning.

Read more about the Quakers here.