IAN CLARK last night received a glowing tribute from Darlington manager David Hodgson for being the "perfect professional".

The winger has spent most of the season on the first-team periphery, but Hodgson insists his attitude has never wavered.

Clark earned a second successive start against Rochdale and had a hand in Chris Hughes' late winner, prompting Hodgson to repeat his admiration for the former Hartlepool man.

"Even when Clarky wasn't in the side I made a point of saying how much of an asset he was to have on the training pitch," said Hodgson.

"He's the perfect professional and that has shown in his attitude when he hasn't been playing. He got into the line-up for the Rochdale game, did very well, created opportunities, put crosses in and for him it's a big plus."

Quakers are now just one point adrift of third bottom Southend, who have a game in hand after their clash with Bury was postponed at the weekend.

"The win was massively encouraging but now we've all got to come back to earth and concentrate on our next game," warned Hodgson.

"I have no doubt that the lads won't get too carried away. They've had too much disappointment.

"The lads are all delighted and we have to work on this."

Sheffield Wednesday boss Chris Turner has cooled his interest in Barry Conlon after completing the signing of Danish striker Kim Olsen for an undisclosed fee.

The Owls last week had a loan bid for Conlon turned down.

Rushden, Swansea and Hartlepool have all been linked with a move for the 25-year-old, who has pledged his future to the club.

Hodgson is still hopeful of concluding a deal for Sunderland striker Neil Teggart.

The highly-rated Northern Ireland forward saw a move collapse last month when he suffered a hamstring injury in training.

Last week the 19-year-old saw the move blocked by a Football League ruling, which restricts clubs in administration to 20-man squads - the exact size of Quakers' current squad.

But Hodgson will this week terminate the contracts of two players.

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