Darlington target Marc Bridge-Wilkinson could yet have a future at Carlisle United.

The 31-year-old has been a huge success while on loan to Quakers from Carlisle since mid-October.

His long-range strike in Monday’s 3-1 win over Barrow was his fourth in 11 appearances, but his loan ends after Saturday’s home match with AFC Wimbledon.

Darlington boss Mark Cooper wants to keep midfielder at The Northern Echo Arena, but as rules state that his loan cannot be extended, only a permanent deal would secure Bridge-Wilkinson’s services.

It is understood Quakers face competition for his signature, though Carlisle boss Greg Abbott says he Bridge- Wilkinson could be involved in the action at the League One club.

Abbott said: “Bridgey has had a great time over at Darlington and, again, they really like him. He is a terrific person to have around and he has been unfortunate that the form of the likes of James Berrett, Tom Taiwo and Paul Thirlwell have kept him out with us this season.

“He is another who needs to play regular football, so we would need to listen to anything that might be said about his situation following on from the end of his loan spell on January 8.

“We haven’t heard anything just yet, and he’s another who would be more than welcome back here.

“I’m sure that his recent form would mean that he would be pushing for a starting place from the moment he got back with us, if that does turn out to be the case.”