Midfield sensation Clark Keltie says he owes a lot to Darlington's caretaker boss Mick Tait for handing him his break in the first team.

The youngster has been an ever- present since Tait took over last month, producing a string of impressive performances which have kept the likes of Mark Ford and Neil Maddison out of the side.

"I'm just thankful to Mick for giving me the chance," said Keltie.

Former boss Tommy Taylor gave Keltie his first start in his final game in charge at Stockport County in the LDV Vans Trophy.

However, Keltie revealed his career wasn't making much progress under Taylor.

He said: "With Tommy Taylor I didn't feel as if I was getting anywhere to be honest. Mick has come in and given everyone a lift and he's done a great job.

"Training's a lot different now and much more enjoyable. We're all looking forward to coming in to train now.

"It's all about working hard in training and giving 100 per cent."

Keltie also revealed his teammates have gone out of their way in helping him find his feet.

He said: "The lads have been great with me in training and they've done everything to help me settle in."

Unsurprisingly Keltie shares the same kind of optimism which has been coming in by the bucket load at Feethams recently.

"We performed really well at Wrexham, defended well and got the win we deserved," said Keltie. "Teams are finding us hard to break down, which is good.

"We've got to carry on like we have done in the last few games, working hard. It's important we put our chances away because we're well capable of keeping clean sheets and I think we can compete with anyone."

Quakers visit Shrewsbury tomorrow and Keltie is confident of coming home with the points.

"They're not a bad team but the way we're playing lately we fancy our chances against anyone and I'm confident we'll get the result we want on Saturday," he said.

Tait last night completed the signing of Sunderland keeper Michael Ingham on loan.

With first-choice Andy Collett sidelined with a rib injury, Chris Porter was the only available goalkeeper.

The Black Cats' shot-stopper has found it difficult to break into the first-team reckoning at the Stadium of Light with no fewer than four goalkeepers ahead of him in the pecking order.

He has already spent time out on loan this season at Second Division Stockport County, where he made one appearance.

"It was important that we brought in another keeper with Colly not there and I'm pleased to have got hold of Michael," said Tait.

"He's a big strong lad with lots of ability and he needs the experience."

Ingham has signed a month-long deal