Striker Harry Crawford has returned to Dartford on loan from Barnet just three weeks after leaving Princes Park to sign for the League 2 club.

Crawford arrives back in north Kent on an initial one-month deal and he goes straight into the Darts squad for Saturday’s FA Trophy semi-final first leg at Grimsby Town.

The 21-year-old’s departure last month left Tony Burman short of attacking options and the Dartford manager had been frustrated in his efforts to bring in a new centre-forward.

However, Crawford will now feature at Blundell Park as the Darts look to reach the final of the Trophy for the first time in 39 years.

He said: “I didn’t expect it. It all happened quite quickly, in the last 24 hours. I’m excited and I can’t wait to get started.

“I didn’t expect it but I’m positive about it, I’m looking forward to going back, playing with the lads and working with the manager. Hopefully I’ll be scoring some more goals.”

Crawford has made three substitute appearances for Barnet, featuring for a total of 82 minutes. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers on February 1.

The former Southend front man signed a three-year deal at Barnet during the January transfer window but his opportunities look to have been limited by the subsequent arrival of two more experienced strikers.

Spaniard Dani Lopez and ex-Celtic forward Craig Beattie both joined the Bees this week as Dutch legend Edgar Davids looks to guide his side away from the League 2 relegation zone.

Crawford said: “I joined (Barnet) to play first-team football and with the manager bringing in two experienced strikers, it looked like my game-time would be limited. I spoke to the people I needed to a Barnet and then I spoke to Tony (Burman).

“He enquired about me. Barnet were speaking with Tony about a possible loan move. With the two strikers coming in, the time was right.”

Crawford’s loan period could be extended to allow him to play in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley on March 24 if Dartford can see off Grimsby over two legs.