Darlington manager Mick Tait last night challenged defender David McGurk to establish himself as a first-team regular next season.

The 20-year-old was restricted to just six appearances last season with skipper Craig Liddle, Matt Clarke, Gary Pearson and the recently-departed Stuart Whitehead all ahead of him in the central-defensive pecking order.

But after two assured displays for Quakers at Bishop Auckland and Blyth in pre-season, McGurk may be ready to challenge for a regular starting berth for the coming campaign, according to Tait.

"I've been very pleased with his contribution in both games and it's up to him as well as the rest of the players to prove to me that they are good enough to play for the club," said Tait.

"David has always done very well when called upon and he's impressed me a lot in our two pre-season games.

"There are still certain aspects of his game we want to brush up on.

"He knows where he needs to improve but we have very high hopes of him.

"It's up to him to progress in the areas we think he's lacking in and if he does that he has a great chance of doing well for himself."

Tait, meanwhile, will rest a number of first-team players for Friday's behind-closed-doors practice match with Middlesbrough reserves at Hurworth.

Former Bradford City midfielder Craig Fishlock, who played in the second half of Tuesday's win at Blyth, is expected to be involved although a permanent deal for the 20-year-old looks unlikely as Tait remains confident of strengthening his squad.

"We're looking for players in all four areas and I think if we manage to get them then I'm confident we'll do very well," said Tait.

"I've made one or two inquiries and I am hopeful we can bring in some new players shortly but nothing is definite until they sign on the dotted line."

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