Todd believes Dowson can be a hit at the Arena

Darlington manager Colin Todd has praised on-loan Sunderland striker David Dowson after his scoring debut in Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Aldershot.

The Quakers take on Leeds in the League Cup on Monday, and Dowson, 20, has permission to play from his parent club, should Todd choose to select him.

"He can lead the line, put people on the back foot and can go in behind," he told BBC Tees.

"He's prepared to get the ball to feet and I was very pleased."

The timing of the game, just 48 hours after the start of the league campaign, puts pressure on Todd's small squad to prepare.

But given the nature of the result on Saturday, and the improved second-half performance, the former Middlesbrough, Derby and Bradford boss is keen to return to action as soon as possible.

"I think it's a good time, alright, so it's Leeds United but it's a cup game and I think it's a good time to have the game,"

"I saw Leeds at Newcastle and they're a very good side, it's another great challenge for us.

"There's no reason why we can't put up a good performance, the cup's normally a great leveller."

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