Manager Dave Penney insists fit-again striker Pawel Abbott can go on to play a pivotal role for Darlington in League Two this season.The 6ft 2in hitman made a telling impact as he netted the equaliser in the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth last weekend following a nine-month injury nightmare.

The Polish targetman once netted 27 goals alongside Andy Booth in the Huddersfield attack and, following fellow striker Billy Clarke's loan from Ipswich, Penney has urged Abbott to seize the opportunity and rediscover his prolific past form.

"Even though he's a big lad himself and has a good height, if you look at Pav's history he prefers to play alongside a big striker," Penney told the Northern Echo.

"He's had more success that way, scored more goals. Boothy was a big striker who was ever so good for him at Huddersfield so we'll see what kind of partnership we can work with here.

"On paper it looks good, Pav and Liam, but you've got to do the business on the pitch and we haven't been quite at it recently."

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