ANTHONY Peacock may have suffered the frustration of watching Darlington's best spell of the season from the sidelines, but now the midfielder is ready to play his part in helping his side back into the play-off reckoning.

Manager David Hodgson felt 20-year-old Peacock would benefit from a rest after starting 17 of Quakers' first 22 games of the season, so he was only a peripheral figure during the run of one defeat in 12 games.

The former Middlesbrough FA Youth Cup winner was due to return to action over a fortnight ago, before suffering a calf strain.

In that time Quakers have failed to win in their last four league outings and lie tenth, four points outside the play-off zone.

But now, with the Teessider nearing full fitness, a first-team return is in Peacock's sights.

"Every player likes to be playing and I'm no different. I'm young and when I get the chance I'll be making sure I take it," he said.

Peacock did his chances of earning a recall against Leyton Orient this weekend no harm by playing the full 90 minutes for Darlington's reserves on Monday.

But, after playing his first full game since November, Peacock admitted there is still work to do on his fitness.

He said: "I felt tired towards the end, but I suppose that's to be expected. Hopefully, I can do more work on my fitness this week and be available for Saturday."

Meanwhile, Burnley boss Steve Cotterill believes striker Kyle Lafferty has returned to Turf Moor a better player for his experience on loan at Darlington.

The 18-year-old was recalled by the Clarets on Monday after playing nine games for Quakers, scoring three goals.

"I think it's done the lad the power of good," said former Sunderland assistant boss Cotterill.

"It sounds silly, but he seems to have grown up in a couple of months and that's what going out on loan does to a young player.

"We're very thankful to Darlington because we think they've done a great job with him."

Hodgson is confident of finding a loan replacement for Lafferty in time for Saturday's clash with fifth-placed Orient.

Danny Graham is one player Hodgson has identified. The Middlesbrough striker has returned to the Riverside Stadium following a three-month loan at Derby County.

* Rochdale, Quakers' opponents on March 4, have begun work on their Spotland pitch with the delivery of 40 tons of sand. Dale have had two games postponed due to waterlogged pitches recently and it is hoped that the sand will help rectify the problem.

* Bury manager Chris Casper has moved quickly to secure the services of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from Manchester City on a month's loan.

Craig Dootson has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his arm, while first-choice keeper Neil Edwards is already missing with a shoulder injury.

The 19-year-old Schmeichel already has experience of League Two football having spent a successful spell with Darlington.