DARLINGTON have turned to the son of Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel in a bid to solve solve their latest goalkeeper crisis.

Following David Knight's return to Middlesbrough with a hip injury, Quakers boss David Hodgson was last night forced to make a late move for Manchester City youngster Kasper Schmeichel.

With first choice goalkeeper Sam Russell sidelined for another fortnight with a fractured fibula and Bert Bossu out until February with a broken foot, Hodgson was left with no available No.1, prompting a move for the 19-year-old Dane.

Schmeichel was recently made available for loan by City boss Stuart Pearce and now the 6ft stopper will make his Football League bow for Quakers at home to Peterborough United tomorrow.

Hodgson was offered out-of-favour Boston United goalkeeper Nathan Abbey, before turning to Schmeichel, who arrives on a week-to-week basis.

And, while the former Danish Under-19 international has yet to make a single first-team appearance for City, Hodgson has every faith in the teenager.

"I'm not concerned that he has no first-team experience," insisted Hodgson. "He has played a lot of reserve-team football against some very good players and I'm sure he'll do well for us."

Schmeichel is a former teammate of Quakers winger Carlos Logan, who recommended the Scandinavian to Hodgson.

However, the Quakers boss admitted: "He's not as good as his father, who was one of the world's best goalkeepers.

"Carlos rates him very highly and Derek Fazackerley (Manchester City coach) didn't have a bad word to say about the kid.

"But when you look at his length of contract at Manchester City they obviously rate him."

Schmeichel recently signed a deal keeping him at the City of Manchester Stadium until the summer of 2008.

Knight, meanwhile, will undergo further tests at Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park training headquarters today after his month-long move across the A66 was brought to a premature end at Notts County last weekend.

The 18-year-old was substituted at half-time at Meadow Lane after damaging his hip in the first half.

Knight made three appearances for Quakers, conceding four goals and Hodgson said: "It's a shame for the lad because this was a good opportunity to gain some valuable first-team experience for us.

"He did well while he was with us and hopefully he will go back to Middlesbrough a better player."

Read more about the Quakers here.