Darlington manager David Hodgson will asses the fitness of new signing Bobby Petta over the next 48 hours before deciding on whether to hand the Dutch winger his full debut at Bury on Saturday.

Hodgson last night revealed he was not prepared to hang the 30-year-old "out to dry" at Gigg Lane, while lacking match practice.

Petta has not played competitively since he was released by Celtic in November. However, Hodgson has hinted that Petta, who joined Quakers until the end of the season on Monday, could play some part at the weekend.

"We have to be thoughtful towards Bobby when you consider his lack of games played," said Hodgson. "He hasn't played since November and the last thing I want to do is hang him out to dry at Bury.

"Whether or not he starts remains to be seen, but we have to be sensible, like we were when Alun Armstrong signed for us."

Petta came through 45 minutes of yesterday's behind-closed-doors friendly with Queen of the South without any problems, impressing on the left of midfield.

"I've spoken to Bobby and he feels fine," said Hodgson. "He has two more days to train before Saturday, so we will have a better idea of what shape he is in over the 48 hours."

Mark Convery scored the only goal of the game as a strong Quakers reserve side beat a youthful Queen of the South 1-0.

Jamaican trialist Damion Stewart enjoyed a solid display alongside David McGurk, although Canadian midfielder Michael Lupton failed to impress.

Darlington: Price, Hughes, Stewart, McGurk, Kendrick, Convery, Coghlan, Thomas, Petta, Russell, Lupton.

* Former Middlesbrough defender Dean Gordon, on trial at Quakers last month, has signed a two-year deal with Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia.

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