ALUN ARMSTRONG has revealed his frustration at not being able to select Gary Martin on Saturday.

The Darlington-born striker was due to start the match with Gloucester City, a game that saw Armstrong make three changes with Wednesday’s FA Trophy replay against Solihull Moors in mind.

He would have made four, however, had complications with Martin’s move not interfered with his team selection.

“I’ve never known anything take so long,” said the manager.

“I was on the phone to Gary all day Friday trying to sort out his insurance, IBV then threw another thing in to sort out, it was madness.

“Sometimes you can do no more, and especially when you’re working to get a player signed that has been abroad, it does take a bit of time.”

Ten-goal striker Adam Campbell is the only Darlington player to have started each of the team’s 31 league and cup matches, and Armstrong had been keen on resting him against Gloucester.

“Gary would’ve started and Cams would’ve had a rest for Wednesday,” he added.

“He’s champing at the bit to play. When he signs there might be times we can play a 4-4-2 with him and Cams together.

“I’ve watched them in training and the football between them has been really good at times.”

Darlington expect to complete the paperwork on Martin loan from Icelandic club IBV this week, meaning he will be available for the weekend, but he is not eligible on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Liam Connell is ineligible and with that issue in mind Chris Elliott sat out Saturday’s match.

Elliott was named on the team sheet but that was an oversight, there was no injury during the warm-up and Connell was always intended to start.