Jason Prior is considering a permanent return to Dartford as manager Tony Burman looks to fill the void left by Australia-bound Lewis Smith.

The 24-year-old made eight appearances for the Darts at the end of last season during a month-long loan from AFC Wimbledon.

Prior, released by the Dons in May, played 45 minutes for Dartford against his old club in Saturday’s pre-season friendly which finished 2-2 at Princes Park.

And now the former Bognor Regis front man has been offered a contract by Burman. This follows the news that Smith, who joined the Darts from AFC Hornchurch last month, is heading Down Under on a three-month work placement.

Burman, who had already been in touch with Prior, is hopeful the centre-forward’s loan experience at Princes Park will persuade him to come back.

He said: “I’ve offered Jason a deal but it’s not been accepted yet. He’s got to make a decision, he’s been full-time with Wimbledon and one or two other clubs have come in for him.

“When players are used to full-time football, they have to keep their options open. He’s seeing if he can find work to cover the shortfall (of going part-time). It’s not like he lives round the corner, he lives in Portsmouth, so it’s a decision he’s got to take.”

Darts host Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.