DARLINGTON goalkeeper Sam Russell last night revealed his regret at not making the grade with boyhood heroes, Middlesbrough.

After 12 years on Boro's books, Russell reluctantly accepted that his future was away from the Riverside Stadium after failing to force his way into Steve McClaren's first-team plans.

Despite progressing through the ranks, from a ten-year-old schoolboy to a handful of appearances on the first-team bench, Russell was always on the periphery, behind Mark Schwarzer and Carlo Nash in the Riverside pecking order, competing with Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones for third choice.

The Teessider spent two month's on loan with Gateshead during the 2001/02 season, before making one appearance on loan with Quakers two years ago, where he played in a 1-1 draw with Torquay.

Last season Russell made 12 appearances on loan to Scunthorpe, before returning to the Riverside Stadium in November last year.

After spending the rest of the season playing reserve-team football, Russell was released by Boro during the summer.

However, after signing a one-year deal with Quakers in July, the 22-year-old is looking forward to his latest challenge.

Russell has already established himself at the Williamson Motors Stadium, replacing Michael Price as first-choice keeper.

He said: "I'd been at Middlesbrough since I was ten and I'm 22 now so it was disappointing not to get a new contract.

"But overall I think it was important for me to be playing at this stage of my career and at Darlington it was even better because it's near home.

"I didn't play much last season and I'm just enjoying the chance to play every week now.

"I've came here and I've been fortunate enough to be in the side."

Russell produced his best performance of the season to prevent Northampton winning on Saturday, with a number of crucial saves.

He denied Cobblers striker Steve Morison with two point blank saves to earn Quakers their fourth consecutive draw.

"I was pleased to make a few good saves but I'd rather not have to make them," he said. "It would have been nice to top my performance off with a win but that's the way it goes sometimes."

And while manager David Hodgson will have been delighted with his stopper's contribution, he was far from impressed with the overall display of his side.

"The manager had a few words with us after the game and rightly so because we didn't really perform," admitted Russell.

"I think we lucky to get a point but I think their keeper made some great saves as well and kept them in it.

"We were poor in the first half and improved in the second, which is exactly what happened at Rochdale last week.

"There were chances at both ends but overall we're happy with a point."

Ironically, Russell played in Scunthorpe's 1-1 draw at Northampton last season.

He added: "You could tell that they were quite a handy team.

"It's not all doom and gloom and we just have to make sure we get things right for the Macclesfield game."

And Russell is relishing the prospect of seeing former Boro stars Craig Hignett and Alun Armstrong reunited in the Quakers side.

"With them two in the side it can only do us good," said Russell.

"Higgy was a bit unlucky with his injury but in the time he's played he has been unbelievable for us. He's scored two goals in two games and you can't ask anymore of him.

"Neither of them have played in as many games as they'd have liked to last season but I'm sure they will do a very good job for us.

"I'm sure they will bring that extra bit of spark and a few wins with them that will put us right back up there."

Read more about the Quakers here.