DAVID HODGSON may have been bullied into throwing Anthony Peacock a career lifeline during the summer, but any questions the Darlington manager had about the pint-sized midfielder have been answered.

But for the intervention of assistant manager Mark Proctor, who coached Peacock at Middlesbrough, Hodgson, by his own admission, was less than sure about where the 20-year-old would fit into his plans.

Eventually, following a successful trial spell, Peacock signed a short-term deal with the club until January.

And the Teessider has wasted little time in establishing himself at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena, appearing in 19 of Quakers' 24 games this season.

Peacock is out of contract next month, although Hodgson has given every indication that Peacock will be rewarded with a new deal until the end of the season.

"I wasn't so sure about Anthony and it was only on Proc's advice that we went ahead with him," admitted Hodgson.

"There was never any doubting his ability and it was more a case of where can we fit him in.

"But I'm glad we've been able to accommodate him because he's been like a breath of fresh air.

"His attitude has been second to none and for such a young lad he's an example to the rest."

Peacock will be fit to face Carlisle United on Boxing Day, despite taking a knock on the shin in training this week.

However, the midfielder may have to settle for a place on the bench if Hodgson decides to make minimum changes to the side which won 3-0 at Stockport a fortnight ago.

Clark Keltie and Phil Stamp have struck up a promising partnership in midfield and the duo are expected to get the nod at Brunton Park. Peacock has been rested in recent games, although the Hemlington-born player will figure during a hectic Christmas period.

Read more about the Quakers here.