DARLINGTON’S winning run and the return from injury of some players has presented Alun Armstrong with the problem all managers crave: a selection dilemma.

Wednesday’s impressive 1-0 win over National League outfit Solihull Moors saw him make changes to the his starting XI and among those to take their chances to impress were Chris Elliott and Omar Holness.

Elliott has been competing with Liam Connell for the No. 1 jersey, a competition which the former has the edge on, partially because South Shields did not want on-loan Connell cup-tied, though they have since been knocked out of the competition, but also due to Elliott’s assured performances between the sticks of late.

He made a number of fine saves during the midweek FA Trophy win to set up a second-round tie tomorrow against Harrogate Town, one of his former clubs.

The winning goal was scored by Holness on his return to the team after five fixtures as a substitute.

Armstrong admitted: “I’ve got massive selections problems now and I’ve said the same to Omar.

“He has done smashing. He could’ve easily sulked because I brought Sean Reid in. But he loves it here, I’ve been speaking to him and he has been wanting to get back in the team.

“Chris has given us a problem as well and I’ve told Liam he has a fight on his hands now!

“He was man of the match, his distribution was good, his handling was good, he is coming for things now and he has his confidence back.

“He has given us a problem and that’s what you want, you don’t want people sulking.”

Terry Galbraith was injured in December and lost his place in the first XI, but is now available and made an appearance as a late substitute against Solihull, while David Atkinson was on the bench on Wednesday having overcome an ankle injury sustained at the beginning of the season.

Armstrong added: “We’ve got Tez and Jordan Watson not even getting into the team. But when Tez came on I never thought we were going to concede because he organises straight away.

“He was dominating their centre-forward and that’s what we needed at that time.

“Atky isn’t far away. He was not fit to play really, but I wanted to be part of the squad again. He’s not far away and when he’s back that’s going to give Ben Hedley a problem and Joe Wheatley a problem.

“There’s going to be some tough decisions but it’s great to have them problems.”

Another player to consider will be striker Gary Martin, who is joining on loan from Iceland club IBV.

Armstrong will consider using him at some point tomorrow if he receives international clearance in time.

“Everything is signed and done, now it’s all in FIFA’s hands,” explained the manager.

“We can’t do any more, it’s between FIFA and the FA to sort out his international clearance. That’s all we’re waiting for.

“If we get the clearance through then Gary will be available and what better to come into than against a National League club who are gunning for promotion.”

With so many options available, Osagi Bascome and Lucas Bell are due to leave on loan soon.

While the tie with Solihull required a replay, Darlington and Harrogate have agreed to settle tomorrow's game on the day, as is permissible in the Trophy, so extra-time and penalties are a possibility.

Quakers were scheduled to play a league fixture at Boston United tomorrow, so that match will be rescheduled.