Scott Harrison made a fine impression on his Darlington debut, yet the 18-year-old only began playing as a defender this season.

He played in Quakers' 0-0 draw against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday after being promoted from the youth team where scouts have been keeping an eye on him and several of his team-mates.

A fortnight after Dale Hopson made the step up from under-18 level, Middlesbrough-born Harrison did likewise and Liddle was proud of his performance.

"He looked like an accomplished defender, an experienced pro. He took up good positions, he won his headers and his distribution is good," said the club's caretaker manager

"Believe it or not, he's only played centre-half since the start of the season - he came to the club as a striker or midfielder.

"I saw how good he was in the air and the things he could do with the ball and I thought I could mould him into a centre-half, which is where his future is and he knows it.

"He took some persuading and even in training now he always wants to go up front and I'm forever telling him to get back and learn his trade.

"When I first told him in pre-season, he was a little bit iffy about it. He didn't really want to play there as he enjoys scoring goals. But the longer he plays there, the more he's starting to believe in what I was telling him earlier in the season.

"That was probably only his 15th or 20th game as a centre-half. That speaks volumes for how well he's done and if he listens and learns, he's got a good career ahead of him."

With Liam Hatch returning from suspension, enabling Graeme Lee to return to defence, Harrison may not start at Kettering tomorrow.

But he will play in the under-18s' FA Youth Cup tie at Newcastle United's St James' Park on Thursday evening when there will again be scouts watching.

Liddle said: "There are four or five of them creating a lot of interest and Scott comes into that category."

While Harrison and Hopson were unavailable due to first team duty, the youth team went joint top of the table with Hull by winning 2-1 on Saturday against York.

Striker Chris Dickinson got both goals and although the first team are short on forwards, Liddle added: "He's only 16 and he scored two goals, but he's nowhere near ready. People see him scoring and he's got potential, but he's not ready to play at this level."