DESPITE his many midfield options, Darlington manager David Hodgson is ready to turn to teenage rookie Mark McLeod for tomorrow's visit of Carlisle.

With Clark Keltie beginning a four-match ban, Hodgson is considering handing 19-year-old McLeod his professional bow.

He is in his final year as a youth-team player, but has figured prominently in the reserves, as well as gaining experience in the Northern League with Durham City.

Last season, McLeod skippered Martin Gray's young Quakers side to the Youth Alliance title.

After impressing Hodgson in the reserves recently, the Sunderland-born youngster could be preferred to the likes of Anthony Peacock, Matty Appleby and Neil Maddison.

"It's a bold move," admitted Hodgson. "But there aren't many players who are as effective as Keltie in that role.

"He's a difficult player to replace, but Mark has all the qualities. His technique is excellent, he can pass the ball about and he has a nasty streak about him, which I like."

One midfielder Hodgson won't be able to call upon is Phil Stamp, who is unlikely to play again this season due to a back problem.

Since joining Quakers on a free transfer in October Stamp has been plagued by various injury setbacks, restricting the former Middlesbrough man to five starts.

"At least we know what the problem is now and we can work on fixing it," said Hodgson.

The Quakers boss was last night in talks with Walsall about signing striker Taiwo Atieno on loan. The 20-year-old has been training with Quakers and scored for the reserves at Lincoln on Wednesday.

Atieno scored his first league goal against Quakers, while on loan at Rochdale last season.

David Duke faces another fortnight on the sidelines. He sustained a thigh strain for the reserves on Wednesday after recovering from a double hernia.

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