STEVE STAUNTON has wasted little time in bringing fresh blood to Darlington by inviting several players to train with Quakers.

A collection of trialists are with the club hoping to earn a permanent contract or a loan deal.

Among them are defender Richard Jackson, a free agent, who falls into the former category and Simon Thomas the latter.

Thomas began training with the club on Monday and the Crystal Palace striker has impressed Staunton.

“Simon has joined up with Darlington for a few days for Steve Staunton to have a look at him in their set-up,” said Palace assistant manager Mick Jones.

The London-born 25-year-old, who Palace recruited from non-league Boreham Wood last year, could make his debut at home to Shrewsbury on Saturday.

That match could be the last for striker Kevin Gall as his short-term contract expires at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Moses Barnett has spoken of his delight at joining on loan from Everton.

The left-back made his debut in the defeat at Dageham & Redbridge on Saturday, only a day after Quakers made contact about a potential deal with Everton.

That was due to Liverpool’s Robbie Threlfall backing out of a move on Friday morning, but Barnett had no such hesitations.

“I didn’t know I was coming to Darlington until Friday so I had to get here quickly,”

explained the 18-year-old.

“I drove to London on Friday.

It wasn’t the ideal preparation but it was worth it.

“I got to know the boys well on Friday, we had a good laugh at the hotel and they made me feel welcome, but it’s just a shame we didn’t get a result.

“I’ve liked it so far, I don’t want to go back. Once you’ve played first-team football you don’t want to go back to the reserves.

“If I get offered the chance to stay I would like to.”

Barnett was born in Sierra Leone but moved to England aged three and has won England caps at Under-16 and Under-17 level.

He said: “I’ve just been playing in the reserves so when I was asked if I wanted to go out on loan I said I’d give it a go.

“It’s been mentioned before but nothing has ever been finalised so I’m hoping to do well here.

“Saturday was a lot quicker and a lot more physical.

There were players who would go right through you just to get the ball.

“So you’ve got to make sure you protect yourself, especially in League Two where it can all be a bit crash, bang, wallop.”