SKIPPER Matt Clarke feels it is inevitable that interest in Shelton Martis will only intensify after his performances for Darlington this season.

Martis' contract is due to expire at the end of the season and Leeds United could make a renewed approach for the former FC Eindhoven defender.

Leeds' boss Kevin Blackwell was interested in signing the 23-year-old at the beginning of the season before the Dutchman was snapped up by David Hodgson.

Now the Quakers' boss could face a fight to retain the services of the stopper, arguably the club's best performer this season.

"I'm sure the gaffer doesn't need me to tell him that he's got to keep hold of Shelton," said Clarke.

"He's been brilliant for us all season and there will be a lot of clubs coming in for him.

"If we can keep hold of him it will be brilliant, but if a club does come in for him and he goes on to bigger and better things then we would have to wish him the best."

Having formed the central defence alongside Martis this season, Clarke knows all about the defender's attributes.

"He is a quality player," said Clarke.

"His all-round game is excellent and he's certainly made my job a lot easier!

"It would be disappointing to lose him, especially for me because we have quite a good understanding during games.

"Hopefully, if we don't make the play-offs this season, he'll still be around to have another crack at it next year."

Quakers will be without Clarke for the visit of Wrexham on Saturday.

The 25-year-old starts a two-match ban after his sending off at Wycombe last weekend.

Matty Appleby serves the third game of a four-match ban after his red card at Cheltenham Town.