DAVID HODGSON last night conceded defeat in his latest attempt to land Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham.

The Teessiders yesterday rebuffed an approach from Hodgson to take Graham to the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena on an initial one-month loan.

Graham returned from a three-month loan at Derby County on Monday and Hodgson had lined up the 20-year-old as a replacement for Kyle Lafferty, who was recalled by Burnley at the beginning of the week.

However, Hodgson understands Boro boss Steve McClaren has "bigger plans" for Graham, which would suggest another loan move to a Championship side is in the offing.

"I've spoken to Middlesbrough about Danny and it's a no-go," admitted Hodgson.

"It was an audacious request and we have to accept that Danny is destined for greater things.

"We have a very good relationship with Boro. They've been open and honest with us.

"They have bigger plans for Danny and that is something we have to accept."

Hodgson has been dealt a further blow following the news Brian Close will miss the remainder of the season.

Close has suffered a recurrence of a long-standing ankle problem, which stems back to his Middlesbrough days. The 24-year-old will undergo another operation and will not play again until the summer.

"It's another massive setback for Closey," admitted Hodgson. "He's had terrible luck with his ankle. Hopefully his recovery will go according to plan and he'll be back sooner rather than later."

Simon Johnson is a major doubt for Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient after suffering a thigh injury against Shrewsbury.

Joe Kendrick is also struggling after picking up a hamstring injury. David Duke is back in training following a hernia, but Hodgson believes Saturday's game is too soon for the former Sunderland defender.

Meanwhile, midfielder Adrian Webster has been struck down with a virus and is a doubt for the final game of New Zealand's two-match series against Malaysia today.

Webster started in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Malays and was due to earn his third cap, before pulling out of training yesterday.

The 25-year-old is currently out of the first-team picture at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena, but Hodgson insists the player still has a future at the club.

* Peterborough caretaker-manager Steve Bleasdale has dismissed reports he is set to rejoin Mark Wright at Chester following the former Posh boss' return to management. Bleasdale, who followed Wright to London Road from Chester, is in charge at the club until the end of the season.