DARLINGTON goalkeeper Aynsley Pears is on international duty in Poland today, but will return in time for Quakers’ game at Telford on Saturday.

The 19-year-old, on loan from Middlesbrough, has been in excellent form during his time with Darlington, keeping five clean sheets in nine appearances and collecting the man of the match award a couple of times.

He made his debut for England Under-19s in October 2016, and has continued his progress by being picked for the Under-20s by Keith Downing.

Pears was initially due to train with England, but an injury to a team-mate saw him travel to Poland with the rest of the squad yesterday.

He will return tomorrow, play for Darlington on Saturday and will also be involved in the England squad that faces Portugal on Tuesday at the Academy Stadium at Manchester City’s training ground.

Darlington manager Tommy Wright told the club’s official site: “We’re delighted for Aynsley, because he’s played well for us since he came on loan.

“He actually phoned me up and apologised for missing training on Thursday, which shows what a great lad he is.”

Meanwhile, Wright and assistant manager Alan White are the main speakers at a fans’ forum tomorrow evening at the Blackwell Grange Hotel beginning at 7pm.

Directors John Tempest and David Johnston will also be in attendance at the vent, which is being staged at the hotel as Blackwell Meadows is unavailable due to a function being held there.