 He made his league debut as a 16-year-old substitute on 5 March 2005, as a second-half substitute for Keith Gilroy in a 1–0 win at home to Bury.In need of the first-team experience, he was allowed to join Workington on loan in September 2005.Still on the outside of Darlington's first team squad, he joined Gateshead on loan in September 2006.