Goalkeeper Paul Woolston has joined Darlington on a work experience loan



By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor



Teenage goalkeeper Paul Woolston has joined non-league neighbours Darlington on a work experience loan.

The 18-year-old shot-stopper could make his debut for the Quakers at Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday night, with regular number one Peter Jameson set to be rested as a result of a long-running thigh problem.

Woolston has played for England at under-17 level and spent time on loan with Gateshead last season without making a senior appearance. He was part of United's pre-season training camp in Ireland this summer and made national headlines in 2014 when he kept a clean sheet against Manchester United on his under-21s debut while only 15 years old.

He supported Darlington as a youngster, along with Sunderland and Leyton Orient, and was on the Quakers' books as a schoolboy. However, that was as an outfield player before he focused on goalkeeping.

One of Woolston's idols is Leicester goakeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who himself had a loan spell with Darlington at the beginning of his career.

Darlington now play in the Vanarama National League North, two divisions below the Football League, after climbing back up the league pyramid under manager Martin Gray.