DARLINGTON defender Ryan Valentine insists a season of personal achievement will provide scant consolation if Quakers fail to make the play-offs.

Now in his fourth season with the club, the 23-year-old has been arguably the most consistent performer in David Hodgson's side this campaign.

A top seven finish remains Valentine's priority, insisting any self-triumphalism would come as a mere bonus.

With 11 games remaining, after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient, Quakers are six points outside the play-off zone, where they lie tenth in League Two.

"It's always nice that your performances are recognised," he acknowledged. "But none of that matters if you're not getting the results.

"I'm pleased with my form and I think on a whole we have to be happy with the way we've performed as a team this season.

"Up until recently we were on an excellent run and it's important that we start another one. We've proved that we're good enough to be in the top seven and now we must show that out on the pitch."

Valentine has played the majority of his 35 appearances this season at right-back.

But, following a hamstring injury to Joe Kendrick last week, the former Everton trainee switched flanks to accommodate the arrival of on-loan defender Robbie Stockdale.

Valentine was given a difficult time by Orient's best player at the weekend, Shane Tudor.

However, Hodgson insists Valentine is equally at home in either full-back position.

"When I brought Robbie in on Friday I knew how easy it would be to switch Ryan to the other side," said Hodgson. "He showed on Saturday that he's just as comfortable on the left as he is on the right."

Hodgson is hopeful of welcoming back skipper Matt Clarke and Simon Johnson at Rochdale this weekend. Clarke missed only his second game of the season at Brisbane Road with a groin injury, while Johnson was sidelined with a thigh problem.

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