Ex-Middlesbrough striker Ste Walker joins West Auckland

Walker - a former England youth international - had been without a club after leaving Boro earlier this year. He spent some time on trial at Carlisle in the summer but boss Paul Simpson opted against offering the 22-year-old a deal and revealed the striker had "had a long time off from playing football" and had suffered with glandular fever.

But he's now back in action and after linking up with Northern League Division One outfit West Auckland, got off the mark with the winning goal on his debut against Durham FC Corinthians in the Durham Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

After Walker's arrival had been confirmed earlier that day, West Auckland chairman Mark Forrest said: "We are delighted to announce Stephen Walker has signed for the club.

"Stephen's pedigree, ability and experience will be invaluable for the club moving forward. This signing shows the trust players are putting into the club and that is something I am very proud of."

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Manager Gary Forrest added: "I would like to welcome Stephen to the club. He is a player who has played at the very highest standard and our goal is to get him upto speed as quick as possible and give him a platform to enjoy his football.

"The board have done a great job in getting this one over the line."

Walker made his Championship debut for his hometown club Boro in 2019, one of seven league appearances that season under Jonathan Woodgate.

The striker joined Crewe on loan for the second half of the 2019/20 season - one of two spells with Alex - and also had stints with MK Dons and Tranmere, but was unable to force his way back into the Boro first team picture.