JOE Tait has returned to Darlington, signing a contract until the of the season.

The 23-year-old has been training with Quakers after being told he was surplus to requirements at Gateshead, the club he joined last summer after leaving Darlington.

Tait made only seven appearances for the Heed, his three starts coming in the first three games of the season.

Manager Gary Mills, who replaced Anth Smith, the boss who signed Tait, has given the centre-back four substitute appearances, while he also started Wednesday evening's Durham Challenge Cup tie against Darlington.

Tait returns in time for tomorrow's trip to Harrogate Railway Athletic.

Leon Scott begins a three-match ban while Alan White is one booking away from a two-game suspension.

Tait's return makes him the second player of Darlington's defence from last season to rejoin following Stephen Harrison's transfer from Durham City last month.