DAVE Penney could be prepared to let out-of-favour winger Neil Wainwright go out on loan.

Darlington winger Wainwright has yet to make a first-team start this season after losing his place to Julian Joachim.

Penney insists that the crowd favourite still figures in his first-team plans, but is not ruling out the possibility of allowing the 29-year-old leave the club on a temporary basis.

The former Sunderland winger is the longest serving player in the squad and was voted the club's player of the year last season.

But, with Joachim impressing in his new role this season, Wainwright has been restricted to just one appearance - as a substitute against Notts County last month and he's unlikley to be in the 16 on duty at MK Dons tomorrow.

"If there is a situation where we're happy with the players we have then it's something we would look at," said Penney.

"If a team came in and Neil wanted to go then that would be a possibility.

"There hasn't been any interest to take any of our players on loan at the moment.

"We've forced the issue with some of the young kids going out for some experience, but there's certainly been no contact for anybody from the first-team.

"If people aren't in the team and we feel that they would benefit by going out to get some games then depending on the club and where it's at we'll address that as and when it happens."

The fact that Wainwright, who has made over 250 appearances for Darlington, is struggling to break into squad, demonstrates the strength of Penney's options.

"Neil Wainwright was player of the year last season and he's struggling to get in," said Penney.

"As a club I certainly think we've come a long way in terms of quality.

"If you look at the reserves we had 11 pros out and two or three sat on the bench on Tuesday against Leeds.

"It just shows that we've got strength in depth now and it keeps others on their toes.

"They have to keep performing in the reserves and when they need to step in they can step in."

Danny Wilson could be forced into making changes for Hartlepool United's trip to Leyton Orient tomorrow.

Pools set off today, but are awaiting fitness updates on Micky Nelson and Antony Sweeney