FORMER Champions League defender Pedro Henriques is training with Darlington.

The 31-year-old was due to play in last night's reserve game against Scunthorpe, which was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Henriques is in the North-East on trial until next Monday after mutually ending his contract with Academica de Coimbra.

The ex-Benfica defender trained with Quakers last month, but, ironically, the postponement of another reserve game ended Hodgson's hopes of assessing the player.

"This is the second time we've had Pedro over from Portugal, but with the pitch frozen we can't have a good look at him," said Hodgson.

"It's also frustrating when you look at the costs (flight, hotel etc) involved in bringing him over here.

"All we can do is have a good look at him in training before he goes back next week."

Henriques has represented Portugal at B level and, as well as appearing in the Champions League for Benfica, the versatile defender - who can play centrally, on the left and in midfield - has also had spells with Belenenses and Santa Clara.

"As well as injuries, we have to consider that several players are close to suspensions, so we do need cover," said Hodgson.

Joe Kendrick has told Hodgson he will be fit to face Rochdale this weekend, although the Irishman faces a fight to retain his place following the arrival of Robbie Stockdale. The 22-year-old missed the defeat at Leyton Orient with a hamstring injury.

And, while David Duke is back in training following a hernia, the Scottish defender will not come into consideration at Spotland.

Hodgson is also awaiting news on the fitness of Carlos Logan, fearing the winger could face a spell out with a hernia problem.

"We're not sure of the full extent, but we're keeping our fingers crossed it's not too serious," said Hodgson. "The training pitches have been very heavy, which I don't think has helped us much."

* The chairman of Darlington Supporters Trust, Tony Taylor, is believed to have stood down from his position. No official announcement has yet been made.

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