Caretaker boss Mick Tait will sit down with on-loan striker Richard Offiong next week to discuss the Newcastle forward's future with Darlington.

The 19-year-old's second month with the club is due to expire next week and Tait has the option to keep Offiong for a third and final month.

"I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet, although I will be sitting down with Richard at some point to have a chat," said Tait.

"His second month is up next week, although we do have the option to have him for a third and final month."

The speedy frontman has proved to be something of an enigma to Quakers fans.

Having claimed braces against Stevenage and Carlisle, Offiong has, for the majority of his stay, struggled to make much of an impact.

Both player and manager had to endure their fair share of criticism from fans during Saturday's win over Kidderminster.

While Offiong - for the first half at least - remained a lone figure in attack, Tait's decision to play with one striker raised many eyebrows.

However, Tait revealed that it wasn't his intention to play with just one forward and he had actually deployed Richard Hodgson and Ashley Nicholls as support strikers.

"We did actually set out to play with three up front but at times Hodgy and Ashley were getting sucked in," explained Tait.

"We needed to push up more because when they were receiving the ball they were too deep.

"Offy was a bit isolated at times and at half-time I had no option but to make changes.

"It's frustrating really because we tried it out on Friday in training and it worked really well."

With Barry Conlon returning for the long trip to Torquay at the weekend, Saturday's goal hero Matt Clarke is expected to resume defensive duties.

"Matt came in and did very well for us," said Tait.

"He still prefers to play at the back but at least we know we have the option to use Matt up front if we ever need him again."

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