DARLINGTON yesterday handed a striker his chance to impress - while manager Gary Bennett turned his attentions to securing a Feethams' return for Sunderland's Neil Wainwright.

The right-winger impressed while on loan from the Stadium of Light during the 1999/2000 season, making 17 appearances and scoring four goals, but he is surplus to requirements on Wearside and could be allowed to join the Quakers.

Northern Echo Sport understands initial talks have been held between the two clubs, but the stumbling block is whether Peter Reid will allow him to move on a free transfer.

Chairman George Reynolds remains reluctant to splash out any more money on the playing squad after paying a large fee for striker Barry Conlon.

Wainwright had a successful spell on loan at Halifax last season, playing 14 games during which he set up the Shaymen's winner in their 1-0 win at Feethams last November.

Although his identity is being kept under wraps the striker on trial is another Frenchman, following in the footsteps of Jean-Michael Cau, Olivier Bernard, Abraham Keita and Alex Jeannin who came to Darlington last season.

He has arrived at Feethams via the same agent who delivered Jeannin - so Bennett will be hoping he's got his hands on another classy performer.

Assistant manager, Mick Tait welcomed the potential new signing, saying: "He's 6ft 2' and about 15 stone, so he's a big lad.

"It helps if you've got a bit of physical presence.

"I've only seen him once. He came in this morning and looked useful but he's back in again all of next week and hopefully we'll see him in some games when we play on Wednesday, Friday and then the Saturday.

"I don't know a great deal about him but he's come from the same agent who brought in Alex Jeannin last season."

Tait also revealed the club's desire to sign a defender in time for the new season, which kicks off on August 11 with a trip to Southend.

"We've got quite a few lads on trial and there'll be a few more coming next week.

"We'd like to bring someone in on the left-hand side just to make sure we've got cover.

"Paul Heckingbottom may miss the start of the season and Gary Himsworth is injured. Paul's working hard in training but we don't know if he'll be fit in time."

Read more about the Quakers here.