DARTFORD boss Tony Burman is hoping Danny Barber and John Beals come through pre-season training in good shape to give the club a major double boost.

Barber suffered a cruciate ligament injury after only a minute against Tooting last season and has been unable to represent the Princes Park outfit since.

Beals also picked up a similar injury for Tonbridge Angels last year but has been handed the opportunity to bounce back with the Darts and may earn a deal if he does impress.

Burman said: “The players are all back for pre-season tomorrow evening and they will be joined by Danny and John.

“Danny was really unlucky last year to get that injury so early on against Tooting but has responded well, as has John.

“They are both fit but the real test will come when they go in to make that first tackle.

“If they can overcome that hurdle then it would be a massive boost to me to have them both here this year.”

The returning Cody McDonald and Norwich City will provide the first test for the pair when then Canaries arrive at Princes Park on July 11 and Burman is confident his squad will be on their way to full fitness by then.

He said: “The first training session is tomorrow night and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m expecting the players to come back in good shape.

“It isn’t really an issue these days because players know to look after themselves these days.

“We will have four training sessions before the Norwich game and should be ready for them.”

The manager added: “We are still on the lookout for new players but I’ve already made several signings and there is no doubt in my mind this is a much stronger squad than last year.

“We’ve secured the services of three players who have played at a higher level and in Elliot Bradbrook’s case, one who has played in the Conference.”