HOME is where the heart is for Darren Dunning.The stylish young midfielder has earned rave reviews after a series of polished performances in York City's pre-season.

Arriving on trial at Bootham Crescent after being cut-free from Premiership Blackburn, player-manager Chris Brass wasted little time in offering the 22-year-old a one-year contract.

It is just the sort of stability Dunning, who hails from Welburn, near Malton, has been craving after being farmed out on loan to no fewer than five different clubs while at Ewood Park.

After making his Blackburn debut in the 2000-2001 season, Dunning endured temporary spells at Bristol City, Blackpool, Rochdale, Torquay and Macclesfield.

At each club Dunning impressed, but not enough to persuade Rovers' chief Graeme Souness to give the North Yorkshire youngster a chance to shine in the Premiership.

However, Rovers' loss could prove to be City's gain and Dunning admits he is grateful for the chance to put his nomadic existence behind him.

"I've been at six different clubs now and I just want to settle down and focus on one team," he explained.

"It's difficult when you are at a club on loan.

"You can't help thinking you're only going to be at a club for a few weeks before you're on the move again.

"But this is a great move for me and I'm delighted.

"I only live down the road and so I'm close to all my friends and family.

"Hopefully, my family will be able to come and watch me play, week in and week out.

"When I was at Blackburn or when I was on loan it was difficult for them to come and watch."

Despite arriving at Bootham Crescent from a Premiership club, Dunning knows all about the Third Division after loans spells at Torquay and Macclesfield last season.

And as he settles into life as a Minstermen, Dunning believes there's plenty of cause for optimism in the season ahead.

"I don't think we should settle for anything less than the play-offs to be honest," he reasoned.

"Looking at the quality we have and comparing it with Macclesfield and Torquay then I think we should do well this season and I just can't wait for the season to start."