Stephen Thomas is determined to prove his doubters wrong and be a success at Darlington.

The Hartlepool-born midfielder has struggled to make an impact back in the North-East, 15 months after joining Darlington on a free transfer from Wrexham.

In that time Thomas has made just 11 competitive starts for the club, although the Teessider would be the first to admit a string of injury setbacks have not helped his case.

Thomas featured strongly for Quakers at the beginning of last season, before the midfielder was forced to spend a large chunk of the campaign on the sidelines with a hernia problem, among other niggling injuries.

Things seemed to be looking up for Thomas after returning to fitness during the summer, impressing during Quakers' pre-season programme, where he featured in every game.

However, all six of Thomas' appearances this season have been as a substitute.

And, having replaced the injured David Duke in the 24th minute at Wrexham on Saturday, the Teessider would like more opportunities to win the Darlington public over this season.

"I've been very patient and worked very hard in the reserves," said Thomas. "I have to change the fans' minds over me and when I get my chance I will always give 100 per-cent.

"I haven't had the best of times since joining the club and I feel as if I still have a lot to prove to the supporters."

In contrast, Wrexham fans saw Thomas more than any other player in his final season in north Wales. The midfielder played in 46 of Wrexham's 50 games during the 2003/04 campaign.

"I had some very good times at Wrexham and was quite fortunate in keeping fit and playing a lot of games," said Thomas, who made 127 appearances for the Red Dragons.

"I've had quite a few setbacks since coming to Darlington, but I'm feeling good at the moment and hopefully I will get a few more chances. I'm desperate to do well and if I take those chances it would be nice to get a good run in the team."

Thomas' first-team claims have been made all the more difficult to make given the strength in numbers manager David Hodgson has in midfield. In September Thomas was told by Hodgson that a loan move may enhance his long-term prospects at the Darlington Football Stadium. However, Thomas would prefer to prove his worth to Quakers fans, who he feels have yet to see the best of him.

The 26-year-old is one of 11 players in Hodgson's squad who can operate in central midfield. While Anthony Peacock has established himself as a mainstay in that area this season, the other berth remains up for grabs.

And, with Phil Stamp, Brian Close and Clark Keltie nearing full fitness, Thomas faces his biggest challenge yet.

"The lads have been playing well in there so the gaffer has quite rightly kept with that midfield," admitted Thomas.

"They've played consistently well together and it's always going to be difficult to break into the side.

"I know that Stampy, Kelts and Closey will have their eye on a place in the next couple of weeks and it's up to me to keep on my toes."

Despite playing in a right-wing back role and then right midfield - when Anthony Peacock was substituted - on Saturday, Thomas was more than happy to take a rare chance to impress at the weekend.

He said: "I was playing in a different position, but I've played there for Wrexham. It was good to get on so early, although it would have been nicer to do it in better circumstances after Dukesy went off."

Thomas' return to the side and the Racecourse Ground was only marred by referee Gary Sutton's 89th minute penalty decision.

The midfielder had a good view of Joey Hutchinson's challenge on substitute Robbie Foy and said: "It must have been at least three yards outside the box and I think giving a free-kick would have been harsh. I started to retreat to my own box, thinking it was a free-kick.

"I was talking to Darren Ferguson and he was laughing - it was that blatant. They're not going to complain about it and it's cost us three points.

"A draw would have been a fair result and I think the ref has spoilt the game."

And, while Quakers fell short of the play-offs by a single point last season, Thomas took a realistic view of what impact Saturday's controversial late defeat could have in the long-term.

He said: "It could make the difference at the end of the season, but I would like to think that these things even themselves out. At the moment it's hard to take, but we have to lick our wounds and get on with it."

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