By Martin Walker

Kevin Austin is keen to join Darlington permanently after joining the club on its three-day team-building trip in the Lakes.

The ex-Chesterfield defender is weighing up his options at the moment after being offered a deal by Barrow.

But the 37-year-old seems keen on joining the Quakers after enjoying a positive debut at Workington on Tuesday night.

"It was a good little work-out," said Austin. "I thought the boys did really well and they all did what was asked of them. I enjoyed it.

"This is for them (Darlington) to have a look at me as well, see if I'm up to speed and if they ant me, so it works both ways.

"I'm still ambitious at this age and I'm sure everyone at the club is.

"I trained with Barrow for two weeks and loved every minute of it, great bunch of lads and a great club. I hadn't signed anything which allowed me to come here, but I thoroughly enjoyed it there.

"We'll have to wait and see what the outcome is and what the gaffer thinks."

Austin still feels he has a lot to offer at the age of 37.

"I've always enjoyed my football," he said. "If you're in this game you've got to enjoy it. I've enjoyed it.

"I know that I'm coming to the end of my career, but I've still got a few miles left in me yet.

"You try to do things right and a lot more player are looking after themselves these days.

"Football has changed slightly so it helps. I enjoy playing my football. You've got to eat right, keep your fitness up and train hard.

"When I first started out it was hammer and tongue in pre-season, but everywhere you go now it's more scientific, which enables players to enjoy longer careers.

"There's some good teams in the Conference, it's very strong. When the gaffer phoned me and invited me up, I had a look around and at the facilities. I played against Darlington many times before and I know it's a club which is geared towards getting back to the Football League.

"Ambition is very important to me. I still want to achieve things. I don't want to just come to a club and peter out, I want to see my career out in the right way."