NEALE McDermott has been challenged to fight for his place in the Darlington side by manager David Hodgson, writes LEE HALL.

McDermott has yet to start a game for Quakers since joining the club on a one-month loan from Fulham last week.

The 20-year-old son of Newcastle coach Terry McDermott has made two substitute appearances in the back-to-back defeats to Peterborough and Shrewsbury.

But, having made 11 starts during a successful loan spell at Swindon this season, Hodgson has thrown down the gauntlet.

"He took a while to get settled in at Swindon, but once he got into the side he stayed there," said Hodgson. "He chipped in with two or three goals and became an asset.

"Now Neale has to be looking at doing the same with us. He's a great little player who doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, but does it effectively."

McDermott was recalled by Fulham boss Chris Coleman in December when a bid from an unnamed club was tabled for the former Newcastle United trainee.

But, after a move failed to materialise, Hodgson stepped in ahead of Swindon to sign the Tynesider.

Hodgson revealed it was thanks to McDermott's father - a former Liverpool teammate of the Quakers boss - that the move eventually went through.

"There was a communication breakdown with an agent when we went for Neale so Terry stepped in," said Hodgson.

"His dad is obviously interested to see how Neale is doing here."

Joe Kendrick (hamstring) and Simon Johnson (thigh) are both ruled out, while skipper Matt Clarke is a doubt.