After surpassing his own expectation levels this season, Darlington defender David McGurk has targeted a permanent place in the side next year.

The youngster has been one of the club's few success stories this season after coming into the side in November. He has impressed playing in both full back positions and in central defence, and he admits he doesn't mind where he plays as long as it's in defence.

McGurk, 19, had become a reserve regular at Feethams but he hasn't looked out of place at professional level since making his first team debut as a half-time replacement for Adam Reed during the FA Cup win at Kidderminster.

Now that he's had a taste of first-team action, he wants more.

He said: "This season I've been happy to get as many games as I could, but next season, I want a regular spot.

"I'd play anywhere across the back as long as I'm playing."

His versatility was utilised at Rochdale last week, when he played at right back for the first 45 minutes then alongside Craig Liddle for the second-half, and after 11 appearances McGurk now feels part of the first-team set-up.

"When I first came into the team I was a bit nervous and you don't really feel part of things. You think you're just going to get the odd game," he admitted.

"But now I've had a few games on the trot and I feel comfortable with it.

"At first, if you make a mistake, you feel that could be the end and you might not get another chance but it looks a bit different now."

McGurk passed his biggest test so far, which was playing in front of a hostile crowd at Hull two weeks ago. But he completed a solid display to help Quakers secure a 1-0 win.

"Playing at Hull in front of nearly 9,000 people was completely different to playing in the reserves or youth team football.

"A couple of coins were on the pitch. I think they were thrown at me so I had to make a statement at the end of the game.

"It was only 1ps and 2ps so I wasn't tempted to pick them up but I'd have picked up £1 coins!

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