Graham provides the template for Quakers' debut boy Bates

Bates intends to make good use of his short time across the A66, just as Graham did 12 months ago.

After scoring twice in seven loan appearances at the Williamson Motors Stadium, Graham returned to Teesside a better player for his experience.

This season Graham has made 15 appearances for Boro, after making his debut at Manchester United in October.

And on Saturday's evidence there is every reason to suggest that Stockton-born Bates will go on to emulate the achievements of Graham.

The 18-year-old may have been the youngest player on the pitch at Field Mill, but his presence was felt.

Tenacious in the tackle and commanding in the air, the former Eaglescliffe school pupil could be just as important to Quakers' promotion hopes as Graham was in helping stave off the threat of relegation a year ago.

"I remember coming to watch Danny in one of his games here last season and thought 'I wouldn't mind doing that'," said Bates. "It hasn't done him any harm when you see how well he's done this season and hopefully it will be the same for me.

"The manager has sent me out to get experience and hopefully I can do well for Darlington."

Assistant manager Mark Proctor knows all about Bates' qualities, having coached the youngster for three years at Boro.

Bates was part of Proctor's side, which won the FA Youth Cup last season.

The teenager, who has also represented England at Under-19 level, made his Boro debut earlier this season when he replaced Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as a late substitute against Manchester City in December. His only other Boro appearance came from the bench in the 89th minute against Blackburn in February.

And, while first-team opportunities may be limited, Bates insists he can only learn from players like England international Gareth Southgate.

"There are some top class defenders at Middlesbrough and it is always going to be difficult to make that breakthrough," admitted Bates. "But those same players can also help me as a player and when I do get that chance I will be well prepared."

Manager David Hodgson has already expressed an interest in taking Bates to the club on loan next season, although the youngster has set his immediate sights on prolonging his stay at the Williamson Motors Stadium into the play-offs.

He added: "I have three games left, but I'm hoping there will be another three after that in the play-offs."

Bates was only 30 seconds into his first league start when Mansfield were awarded a penalty following Ryan Valentine's foul on former Quakers winger Adam Rundle.

And, after Sam Russell saved Rhys Day's resulting spot-kick, Bates felt his new team-mates showed character to take control of the first half.

"I would never have imagined a start to my first game like that, but I thought we carried ourselves well and were the better team in the first half," said Bates.

"After we got that goal I thought we were going to go on and score two or three more."

Modestly, the teenager admits he still has a lot to learn in the game, although the recent four-year deal signed at boyhood heroes Middlesbrough speaks volumes for Bates' undoubted talent.

"I was happy with my debut but I think there's always room for improvement," said Bates. "I still have a lot of work to do on my game. I think I won my fair share of headers but I think my passing can be a lot better.

"There are some fantastic players at Darlington and they can only help bring on my game."

Bates was just a minute from marking his debut with a clean sheet, but for Day's dramatic late leveller.

"I have mixed feelings really because I thought we deserved three points," said Bates. "We fell asleep for the corner and they had someone to sneak around the back and score.

"It was a cheap goal and obviously very disappointing to concede when we did.

"We should really have put the game beyond them before that.

"We've got to work hard from Monday now and concentrate on beating Rushen on Saturday."

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