DAVID HODGSON feels that young midfielder Mark McLeod has all the qualities to make the grade at Darlington, writes Lee Hall.

McLeod shone on his full debut in Saturday's 4-2 win over Lincoln City, demonstrating why Hodgson was so keen to offer the 19-year-old a professional contract.

The Sunderland-born youngster is a product of Darlington's youth system, from where he came to prominence last season, captaining Martin Gray's Youth Alliance title-winning side.

McLeod has been a regular in the reserves this season and, having impressed Hodgson, the teenager is now very much in the Quakers boss' first-team thoughts.

"I have no doubts about Macca and I thought he did very well," said Hodgson.

"He'll go in for tackles, he'll go in for headers, he's composed on the ball and he can pass it."

And, while McLeod made a favourable impression on his first start on Saturday, Hodgson believes the teenager still has a lot to learn.

"He needs to put some work on his pace to gain that extra yard," said Hodgson. "Defensively, he wasn't always getting that second ball, which is something he will need to learn.

"In the first half, Lincoln were getting in front of Macca and Jonjo (Dickman).

"But he's still only 19 and I'm sure things like that will come to him."

McLeod is one of three youth team players who will sign professional deals. Striker Richard Logan was an unused substitute at the weekend and will sign terms, while defender Alex Janes will be part of Hodgson's first-team squad next season.

Meanwhile, New Zealand international Adrian Webster is expected to be fit in time to face Brazil in June. The 25-year-old underwent surgery on an ankle injury last week and will not play for Darlington again this season.

And, while Webster will miss the two forthcoming games against Chile in Santiago, the midfielder has been reassured he will have recovered in time for the glamour tie with the World champions on June 4.

Clark Keltie will serve the final game of a four-match ban at Rochdale tomorrow night and will be available to face Torquay this weekend.

Read more about the Quakers here.