Darren started out as a trainee with Blackburn Rovers, but failed to make it into the first team, instead being sent out on loan to Rochdale. On his return, he joined the reserves and in 2003 joined Halifax where he made thirty-two appearances before sustaining a potentially career-ending knee injury against Canvey Island. After a ten month lay-off, he took part in pre-season at Halifax, though he was unable to secure a new contract and had a trial with Total Network Solutions; he signed for Celtic after impressing in two pre-season games. Two was also the number of appearances he managed to make, coming off worse in a tangle at Lancaster, and breaking a leg. After a lengthy rehabilitation, he broke his arm in training, and once that was okay, went on loan to Witton Albion to get match fit. Witton found him to their liking, and he stayed.
