Crocked Darlington goalkeeper Andy Collett has revealed his frustration at being sidelined for the start of the new season.

The Quakers number one was last week ruled out for three months after scans on a troublesome shoulder injury indicated a tear.

Collett missed eight games of the last campaign with a rib injury and after a consultation with a specialist, the 29-year-old now faces more time on the treatment table after his latest setback.

"I was really looking forward to the new season so obviously I'm pretty gutted," said Collett.

"Each injury I get seems to be quite a serious one."

Collett first picked up the injury at Scunthorpe in March but chose to carry on through the pain barrier to play his part in Quakers' battle against relegation.

"I only did it a few months ago, and it hasn't really healed properly since," said Collett.

"It got to the point where I wasn't even training and just playing on Saturdays which is no good."

And Collett, who is the only goalkeeper currently on the club's books following Chris Porter's release at the end of the season, has set his sights on returning to action in October.

"The length I'll be out for really depends on how big the tear is," said Collett.

"I'm hoping that it's just a small tear and hopefully I'll be back in around 12 weeks.

"At the end of the day I'll get it done now and hopefully enjoy the rest of our year."

Manager Mick Tait used no fewer than four different goalkeepers during Collett's absence, and will once again cast his eye over more replacements.

Trialist Michael Price, who played in Saturday's 2-1 win at Bishop Auckland could be one alternative, although Tait may opt to bring in a more experienced figure, possibly on loan.

Tait, meanwhile, returns to his former club tonight as Quakers take on UniBond Premier League outfit Blyth Spartans (kick-off 7.30pm).

The former Hartlepool boss had a brief spell in charge at Croft Park in 2000.

Spartans are currently managed by former Hartlepool striker Paul Baker, who also worked under Tait during his time as Pool boss, and are expected to include Graham Fenton in their line-up.

The Wallsend-born striker joined Quakers on loan from Blackpool last season but injury limited the former Blackburn player to just six appearances.

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