Darlington midfielder Clark Keltie is determined to see an improvement in his game this season, as he aims a repeat of the performances that earned him rave reviews when he broke into the side two years ago.

Mick Tait gave him a chance in 2002 and Keltie immediately impressed with some eye-catching displays that belied the inexperience of the then 19-year-old.

But that vision and confidence to pick out a team-mate from across the pitch sometimes proved to be a weakness as the former Walker Central midfielder ended up giving possession away.

But, having played every minute of the season so far, the misplaced passes have been rare and Keltie, 21 at the end of the month, puts the improvement down to the coaching of assistant manager Mark Proctor.

Proctor, who made a name for himself at Sunderland and Middlesbrough and as a dependable midfielder, was brought to the club in the summer and Keltie said: "I've had a chat with Mark about the long balls, he's told me one or two things and it's all about concentration.

"In training I'm working on that a lot, there's a time to play that kind of ball and a time not to.

"There's always new things you can learn but, the gaffer has spoken to me about my concentration for the full 90 minutes and I'm learning from the likes of Neil Maddison who sets the standards in the team. He's always talking to me, one and off the field, giving me confidence when I'm on a downer.

"When I'm not in the team, or when something's gone wrong on the pitch he's always there, giving me bits of advice and giving me a lift.''

After a promising first year as a pro in 2002/03 Keltie admits he had a dip in form last year, but is more confident about this season in which he almost score a trademark long-range pile-driver at Kidderminster last week.

Keltie admitted: "I faded in and out of last season, I didn't have a good year and I was low on confidence but I've come back stronger and feel as though I've been doing quite well.

"The gaffer asked to do a bit of training two weeks before we came back for pre-season, but I did quite a bit before that.

"I feel a lot stronger for it, and mentally I'm better prepared too.

"We did well in pre-season and I think got better with each game.

"In some of the games at home we played well in patches so we've got a lot to look forward to this season."

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