Lowestoft Town travel to Maidstone United without the services of Bally Smart – again.

The Trawlerboys signed the South African, a former Norwich City youngster, on Ryman League forms in August. But they still haven't received international clearance to be able to play him, much to the annoyance of joint-boss Ady Gallagher.

The Blues' chief said: 'We're still chasing the FA and if I'm honest I don't know what's going on with it all.

'The FA should complete the clearance in 20-odd days and it's now been 40-odd days. It's really frustrating as we've signed him on league forms but until the clearance comes through we can't use him.

'With how stretched our squad has been we'd have loved to have used him but due to an administration situation at the FA we're not able to.

'It's not the club, we've done everything in the right way. It's totally down to the FA. I don't know why they haven't authorised it. I do know it's not an isolated case though and they're dealing with a backlog.

'Once they've cleared it we should be fine to use him.'

The talented attacking midfielder would have really boosted the Blues during a difficult time with injuries.

But they return to action this afternoon refreshed, after a 10-day break, and raring to go. Lowestoft, 10th, picked up their first away win last time out and know they'll need another good performance to succeed at fourth-placed Maidstone.

Gallagher, who has Bradley Woods-Garness and Chris Henderson available for selection again, said: 'Having two faces back available for selection is a positive situation.

'We knew their absences wouldn't be long-term as they were minor injuries. But it came at a time which left us short. Now we can take a full and competitive squad to Maidstone.'