MICK Tait insists Darlington's players have not been affected by yesterday's news that Tino Asprilla won't be moving to Feethams.

Asprilla yesterday reneged on his proposed move to the Quakers, but the players and management have rallied round to brush off the disappointment and focus on today's game at Kidderminster Harriers.

Assistant boss Tait revealed the players haven't let the Asprilla saga affect them and have prepared for today's game in the usual manner.

Although Asprilla transfer news has dominated the last week, Tait insisted: "The players have had a bit of a laugh about it in training but it's all been light-hearted stuff.

"They've been ribbing each other about whose place he would have taken but that's not something anyone has to worry about.''

Although the addition of the Colombian ace to the squad would have increased competition in the forward line, Tait points out that there is plenty of competition for a starting berth.

And Tait has warned today's starting XI that they can all be replaced if they don't perform at the Aggborough Stadium.

"Now we've got 15 or 16 lads who are fit and in excellent form so the lads who aren't picked know the player ahead of them has a good reason to be in the team," said Tait.

"Although it wasn't said as a threat, we told them this morning that if they don't perform there are players on the bench waiting to play who can come and replace them.

"If someone is feeling tired or, perhaps, isn't having a good day we can replace them if need be.

"It's nice to have that because sometimes you're scraping around for 11 players who are fit to play."

Darlington's last two matches, a draw at Rochdale and a win over Carlisle, both featured some impressive attacking moves and Quakers are showing signs they could be a force this season.

Tommy Taylor's side began the season with a win at Cambridge but went off the boil in the following two home games against Swansea and Oxford, but the last two matches have seen massive improvement.

Their form in the last two games has been overshadowed by Asprilla's anticipated arrival, but Tait said: "The players certainly haven't forgotten that they've been playing better and they know why they've been playing well.

"They've been running their socks off and that's the way you've got to play in this division, work rate is so important."

* Darlington have announced ticket details for the forthcoming trip to Hartlepool on September 14.

The priority period for season ticket holders is on Monday and Tuesday, voucher A is required.

All remaining tickets go on sale from Wednesday and only seat tickets are available. Prices are £13 for adults and £5 concessions.

Read more about the Quakers here.