Defender joins under-21s.

Former Darlington centre-back Scott Harrison has joined Sunderland’s development squad.

The 19-year-old, who had been on trial at the Academy of Light, has been handed a contract until the end of the 2012-13 season.

Harrison, who hails from Middlesbrough, played under Craig Liddle at Darlington before becoming a free agent when the club folded.

He made 10 appearances for the Quakers in the Conference Premier last season, making his debut in a 0-0 draw with Forest Green in December 2011.

Coach Kevin Ball said: “Scott was recommended to us and we gave him an opportunity to come in.

“We see in him a lad giving all the intentions of wanting to work at his game and we feel he warrants a contract until the end of the season, which we were delighted to offer him.”