Darlington manager Mick Tait will tonight run the rule over two French trialists on the recommendation of former Quakers loanee Olivier Bernard.

The unnamed duo, believed to be a right-back and a striker, will play in the reserve team opener at Newcastle United.

And Magpies full-back Bernard, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Feethams two years ago, knows all about the pair, having played with them at French side Lyon.

Tait will also run the rule over former Newcastle defender Paul Dunn in the clash.

The full-back spent a brief spell on trial with Quakers during pre-season and Tait will hand the youngster another chance to impress.

"We had a look at Paul in pre-season but he wasn't fully fit so we'll take another look at him," said Tait.

"We've also taken on a couple of French lads on the recommendation of Olivier Bernard. He knows a lot about them from playing with them in France so we'll see how they do at Newcastle."

The Darlington boss, meanwhile, is refusing to be downbeat after Saturday's defeat at the Reynolds Arena left his side rooted to the bottom of the Third Division with no points.

"There's been plenty of doom and gloom over the weekend but it shouldn't be as bad as that," said Tait.

"We've lost two games.

"You could lose two games in mid-season and people wouldn't feel the same. It's because it's the first two. Obviously everybody was very disappointed after Saturday.

"They know they've let people down but they've let themselves down as well.

"After doing so well at Bradford and then to play like that was very frustrated.

"We need to get rid of that inconsistency." Tait hopes to have a fully fit squad to choose from for Friday night's clash at Northampton.

Striker Danny Mellanby returned to training yesterday, while defender Joey Hutchinson is making steady progress from a hamstring injury.

Matt Clarke remains the only major doubt with an ankle injury.

Skipper Craig Liddle, Barry Conlon and Glen Robson all picked up knocks in Saturday's defeat but should be fit in time for the trip to the Sixfields Stadium.

Read more about the Quakers here.