GUY BATES' fledgling career has already taken the Tynesider to the other side of the world, but after making his Darlington debut at the weekend, he admitted: "It's good to back".

Bates replaced Kyle Lafferty as a 69th minute substitute on Saturday for his first professional appearance on English soil.

It was in January last year that the 20-year-old was allowed to leave hometown club Newcastle United.

But, rather than join another English side - Darlington were one of several suitors - Bates took up an offer to play in the Australian top flight with Newcastle Jets, signing a two-year contract.

After ten months Down Under, Bates cited a lack of first-team opportunities under newly-installed coach and former Liverpool defender Richard Money as the reason behind his decision to return to England.

"I played a lot of pre-season games in Australia, but a change of manager came in before the start of the season, which restricted me to only a few appearances," revealed Bates. "I just thought it was time to move on and thankfully David Hodgson has given me the chance.

"To be so close to home, where my family and friends are, is an added bonus for me. Things have worked out well."

While Bates didn't officially become a Darlington player until late on Friday night, when he received international clearance from the Australian Soccer Association, the player has been training with Quakers since December. The forward has figured in several reserve games and scored in a 2-0 win over Hartlepool last month.

Hodgson revealed last week that it was always his intention to sign Bates, but he was wrongly led to believe that the forward was unavailable.

After reaching an agreement with the Australian side, Bates became a free agent after his contract was cancelled.

Hodgson dropped his interest in South African striker Dale Studzinki on transfer deadline day last week, before informing Bates that a contract would be in the offing.

"The gaffer needed somebody else in after the transfer window closed so it suited both of us," he said.

Bates recently spent a week on trial in Belgium with Second Division KV Mechelen. The one-time European Cup Winners Cup holders were keen to sign the striker on a permanent basis after he impressed in a reserve game.

"I went over to Belgium for a week and they came back with an offer," revealed Bates. "But I always wanted to stay here with Darlington.

"It's a great club and I'm hoping to do well."

After penning a deal until June this year, Bates is now concentrating on kick-starting his career.

He said: "It's always nice to be back and playing again. I was away for ten months, and to get back and for the gaffer to give me a contract is very good - hopefully I can repay him.

"I hope this is the start of good things to come. I'm not 100 per cent match fit, but with a few more games under by belt I should be OK."

Hodgson was first told about Bates when the forward was a prolific goalscorer at reserve-team level for the Magpies.

Bates now hopes his goals will help warrant an extended stay at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

"It's up to me to show I can score goals and if I do that then hopefully there is a long-term future for me here," said Bates. "I'm not only looking to do well for myself, but for Darlington.

"The lads have been absolutely brilliant and have helped me settle in straightaway.

"There's a good feeling about the place and I'm looking forward to being a part of things."

During his brief appearance, Bates looked eager to impress at York Street, without seeing many opportunities in front of goal.

While Quakers dropped down to seventh after playing out their second goalless draw of the season with Boston, Bates has already seen enough to suggest Hodgson's men can sustain their challenge at the top of League Two.

"I think we have a really good chance of promotion and I want to be a part of it," said Bates.

"I've had time to work with the lads and you can see there is enough quality here to be up there at the end of the season."