FORMER Middlesbrough defender Curtis Fleming last night admitted a permanent move to Darlington would appeal.

The 35-year-old is training with Quakers after turning down a one-year deal to remain with Premiership newcomers Crystal Palace as a player-coach.

Fleming's wife is pregnant and the former Republic of Ireland international is keen to finish his playing career in the North-East, where his family are based.

"I've made the decision to move back home and hopefully I can find a club up here," said Fleming.

"I was offered another year at Crystal Palace but my wife is pregnant and we are settled up in the North-East. David Hodgson has been brilliant in letting me train with the club and obviously there are a few lads I know from my time with Middlesbrough.

"Everything is being geared towards the club doing well this season and it would be nice to be a part of it."

Fleming impressed in Monday night's friendly win at Whitby Town and the full-back should figure in tonight's first-team outing at Durham City. The Manchester-born full-back captained Palace before missing the second half of last season with a broken fibula.

However, Fleming appears to have put his injury problems behind him after completing 90 minutes at the Turnbull Ground on Monday. "I missed a lot of games last year but I've worked hard during the summer and I'm feeling quite sharp," said Fleming.

"For me it's all about playing and I still feel I can play for another year or two. That's why I decided not to go into coaching at this stage."

And Fleming, who made over 300 appearances during ten years on Teesside, was quick to praise Quakers boss David Hodgson for handing him the opportunity to train with the club.

"It's very difficult working through pre-season on your own and David has been very good to me," said Fleming.

"You can see what he is trying to do here. There is a lot of work going into the back room setup which I think is very important."

New signings Sam Russell, Joe Kendrick and Stephen Thomas will make their debuts at the Archibald Stadium tonight, while former Dundee United striker Joaquim Ferraz will be hoping to impress after joining on trial.

* Contrary to reports yesterday, Darlington's behind closed doors friendly with Middlesbrough is still going ahead on Saturday.

Read more about the Quakers here.