Osagi Bascome expects to return to Darlington next season and said he is in advanced talks with the English non-League club over a new contract.

Bascome joined Darlington in March after a successful trial at the County Durham outfit, making three appearances in the National League North — the sixth tier of the English pyramid.

“Right now, I’m in talks with the club about next season,” Bascome said. “Hopefully that gets over the line as soon as possible.”

Before moving to Darlington, Bascome was playing at the regional level in Spain for Massanassa, having previously had a short spell at Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City, where he featured for their under-23 side.

He admits adapting to the muck and nettles of the non-League was a “big reality check” but believes he will be in a much stronger position to make his mark with a full pre-season under his belt.

“It was a new experience playing in the non-League and it was a bit difficult to adapt to,” Bascome said.

“I think I did well in the few games that I did play.

“It’s a big difference, especially from academy football, going into the men’s game.

“The style of football is a lot different, the physicality is a lot different; it was a big reality check. Pre-season will be massive. I hope to start the season strongly and get into the team.”

Although Darlington, a former Football League side, finished sixteenth in the table last term, Bascome feels they are a club in the ascendancy.

“I love the way the club is headed,” he added. “Hopefully I can contribute in a positive way. Darlington are one of the bigger names in that division.”

Bascome is certain to be part of Bermuda’s squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup next month and is excited about the prospect of testing himself against some the region’s heavyweights.

Bermuda face Haiti at the Estadio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica, in their opening game on June 16. They then play Costa Rica, at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on June 20 before facing Nicaragua at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on June 24.

“I’m very excited and [the Gold Cup] couldn’t have come at a better time,” Bascome added.

“I should be very fit going into pre-season. There’s a very positive vibe around the camp and everyone knows what we have to do to get results out of these games. ”