Young's prodigious development which had seen him awarded several Scotland Under-21 caps was hindered however, by a serious knee injury which required three separate operations to repair.
Young made a successful return to the Aberdeen first team in 2000, by which stage his brother Derek was also an established member of Ebbe Skovdahl's resurgent side.
This ensured European football returned to Pittodrie and Young increased his continental appearances to 10, as Aberdeen played FC Nistru Otaci and Hertha BSC Berlin in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup.
Darren and his brother Derek both joined Dunfermline Athletic in July 2003, as part of Jimmy Calderwood's new-look side.
[6] Young was sent off after three minutes into his debut for Dundee, during a league match against Clyde at Broadwood Stadium after pulling back an opponent.
[7] Young featured in two games as a trialist for Dumfries club Queen of the South early in the 2010–11 season, during the reign of Kenny Brannigan's management.
[14][15] On getting his team promoted into League One, despite budget restraints and low expectations Young led Albion Rovers to their best start to a third tier season in the club's history, taking 28 points from their first 17 games and placed third.
[16] Shortly after leaving Albion Rovers, Young was appointed manager of Scottish League One club East Fife on 3 June 2017.