Darlington manager Martin Gray has signed giant striker Mark Beck.

The 22-year-old 6ft 5 front man was freed by Yeovil at the end of last season, after joining them for Carlisle in 2015 and Gray sees him as a very important signing.

“I’ve been looking for a player like him for quite a while now,” he said. “Players like him don’t come along too often. He’s big, strong and physical, as some of our lads have already found out in training. Even though he’s 22, he’s quite experienced, because he’s also played in the Scottish League.”

Beck was born in Sunderland, but because his grandfather was born in Scotland, he was eligible to play for them and made three Under-19 appearances.

He started his career at Carlisle, and had a loan spell at Falkirk. After leaving Brunton Park, he went 300 miles south to join Yeovil, who loaned him out to Conference side Wrexham in the middle of last season.

He scored ten goals for Carlisle in 77 appearances, and another six in 20 games for Falkirk.

He’ll be making an appearance in Saturday’s behind closed doors game for Quakers, and is Gray’s second signing of the week after Josh Gillies.