MICHAEL BRIDGES last night quashed David Hodgson's hopes of taking the former England Under-21 international back to the region by insisting he has no intention of joining Darlington.

Quakers boss Hodgson claimed on Monday that the former Sunderland striker had 'made it clear he wanted to come back to the region and play for us'.

But Bridges has poured scorn on that suggestion and has outlined his wish to make a go of things at Ashton Gate, where he is convinced he can kick-start a stalling career again.

"I don't want to go anywhere if I can help it," said Bridges. "I want to be here because this club should be at a higher level, which is why I came here in the first place. Obviously if there's no light at the end of the tunnel I'll have to look elsewhere but I don't want it to come to that."

Bridges has started just four League games for the Robins since leaving Sunderland in the summer and has struggled to impress new manager Gary Johnson.

It is understood the 26-year-old has a clause in his one-year deal that automatically grants him a 12-month extension once he has played a number of games - a factor believed to be playing its part in restricting his appearances.

Bridges, who has been plagued with injuries for more than four years since his days with Leeds, insists he is now fit and has pleaded with Johnson to play him.

But the City boss, also refusing to play former Black Cat Marcus Stewart, is choosing instead to play Steve Brooker and Steven Gillespie - and that is proving frustrating for Bridges.

He said: "It's hard to take when you know you're fit and available, only to see loan players come in and get ahead of you.

"I love it here and I desperately want the chance to show what I can do."