ALMOST a year after his appointment, Darlington manager Dave Penney is finally satisfied with the squad he now has at his disposal.

Penney lambasted the poor quality of players he inherited after succeeding David Hodgson last year.

Twelve players have been allowed to leave since the end of last season, and French winger Xavier Barrau became Penney's 12th summer signing last month.

Only seven players remain from Penney's arrival 11 months ago.

And after seeing his side return to the top of the League Two table following Saturday's win at Rotherham United, Penney is happy with his options.

"When you look at what's on the bench I'm having to leave the likes of Chris Palmer out," said Penney. "Xavier Barrau travelled with us on Saturday but he couldn't get in the squad.

"We've got Clark Keltie coming back and I think he will have a big part to play once he gets himself fit. He will play better than he did last season with better players around him.

"We've got Neil Wainwright at home and young lads like Scott Wiseman coming back so it's a good position to be in.

"There's only Patrick Collins and Martin Smith injured so we left six or seven at home on Saturday."

Penney has allowed Lewis Hardman to join Whitby Town on loan and the Quakers boss hopes to send more players out on a temporary basis to gain experience.

Hardman appeared as a substitute in Whitby's 6-3 win over Stamford on Saturday and Penney said: "We might look to get some of the youngsters out on loan.

"The likes of Sean Reay and Wayne Clarke could do with getting some games if they're not going to here.

"We've let Lewis go to Whitby and I think it will be good to get a few of the other young lads out to get some games under their belt."

Keltie will step up his recovery when he plays for the reserves at Lincoln City tomorrow. Wiseman is also expected to be involved after returning to training following an Achilles injury.

Despite netting three goals this season, there's something missing from Richard Barker's game - a strike from open play.

The Hartlepool United forward's goals have all come from the penalty spot so far, efforts against Luton, Doncaster and Oldham. On Saturday at Elland Road, he couldn't believe how many chances went begging and now he is desperate for a scrappy effort to get him going.

"We had more shots on Saturday and scored none than we did last week when we scored four goals. We have come to the team who are probably the favourites to win the division and played them off the park. Maybe one chance might hit me in the face and go in - that's probably what I need.''