Injury-plagued striker Danny Mellanby can bounce back stronger than ever next season, according to Darlington boss Mick Tait.

The Bishop Auckland-born forward was restricted to only a handful of starts last season mainly due to a niggling back problem.

And while a striker remains top of Tait's summer wish list, the caretaker boss has challenged Mellanby to stake his claim for a regular starting berth alongside Barry Conlon next season.

"Danny has the summer to get fully fit and hopefully we'll get to see a lot more of him next season," said Tait.

"We all know what he can do. It's just a case of keeping him fit.

"I still want to bring in another striker because we need some competition in that position."

Blackburn striker Jim Corbett, who spent a successful loan spell with the club at the end of last season, remains a target, although his wage demands may prove to be a stumbling block.

Tait will be hoping to convince chairman George Reynolds that to go "flat out" next season, Quakers have to be competing for the best players if they are to make any real progress and improve on last season's disappointing 14th place.

"I was very pleased with Jim's contribution when he was with us and he's a player we'd love to have," admitted Tait. "I've spoken to a couple of players but we're still at a very early stage."

Tait has already held talks with Shrewsbury's former Sunderland winger Sam Aiston, who is interesting several Third Division clubs following his side's relegation to the Conference.

Quakers, who report back for training on June 30, have arranged four games in July at Bishop Auckland (12th), Blyth Spartans (15th), Durham City (19th) and Dunston (30th).

"It will be a good chance for the supporters to get a good look at the players before the start of the season," said Tait.

The club hope to confirm shortly who will provide the opposition for the historic curtain-raiser at the new 27,500 all-seater stadium.

Read more about the Quakers here.