The Quakers boss has made little secret of his plans to loan players from Boro, Newcastle and Sunderland and has already signed Sunderland duo David Dowson and Jamie Chandler.

He has now added Porritt, 19, to his squad for an initial period of 28 days.

"We want competition for places. He's come in on a 28-day loan, just to see how he is," Todd's assistant, Dean Windass, told the Northern Echo. "He's played reserve team football for Middlesbrough.

"It gives the lads an opportunity to kick-start their football career. Don't play reserve team football, play first-team football and he'll get the opportunity at Darlington."

Porritt, who has yet to make a senior appearance for Boro, goes straight into the Quakers' squad for Tuesday's game against Crewe.

Darlington also have signed defender Rikki Bains after he impressed on trial.

The 21-year-old has had a host of clubs following his release from Coventry in 2006, where he failed to make an appearance, including Accrington, Tamworth, Corby Town and most recently Macclesfield.

Baines becomes the second signing of the week for the Quakers after they snapped up Middlesbrough youngster Nathan Porritt and boss Colin Todd is hoping Baines can add competition for places.

"He's quick and he's strong, and is young enough to improve and become an asset to the squad," said Todd. "Matt Plummer is pushing for a place in the heart of the defence and now we have Rikki who can do the same.

"Ian Miller and Steve Foster have started the season well, but it always helps to have players pushing those in the first team."