Darlington boss Dave Penney is delighted to see David Wheater enjoying great success for Middlesbrough and England U21 this season.

"I am thrilled to see Wheater do so well, particularly against a team like Arsenal," the Quakers gaffer told the Evening Gazette. "To see a player who was on loan with us last season come out on top against an attack like Arsenal's is fantastic.

"To be honest, he has surprised me a bit. I took him to Doncaster then Darlington, so know all about his ability. But what I didn't expect was for him to be so consistent in the Premiership already.

"I thought he might play at that level because he has the size, pace and strength, but to see him do it week in and week out has been a bonus."