Hartlepool United striker delivers honest assessment of his 'tough' Salford spell

The 24-year-old has returned to his native North East on loan to Hartlepool United from Salford City until the end of the season.

Armstrong could have waited until January amid EFL interest, but his eagerness to play combined with the opportunity to return home was too enticing to pass up.

Armstrong has opened up about his move to Salford and admits it has been ‘tough’ and that he hasn’t performed to the high standards he had previously set.

Despite Salford having a recall option in January, the striker is keen to complete the season at Victoria Park.

And he admits he has played his best football in the North East and is hoping to continue to show that between now and the end of the season.

Reflecting on his Salford spell, Armstrong said: “It’s been tough, I haven’t played as many games as I wanted to and at Salford if you don’t perform well then you’re out of the team because they’ve got the money to be able to do that.

"It’s a hard one because you’ve got to hit the ground running otherwise they’ll look to get someone else in because they can.

"That’s the issue I’ve had where we’ve had six strikers and you’re never going to keep everyone happy and if you’re not playing particularly well then you’re out of the team whereas other places might give you more opportunities even if you have a bit of a blip.

"If you have a little blip at Salford, you’re out.

"I haven’t performed at Salford being totally honest, I don’t know if that’s because of the lifestyle changes moving over there or something else.

"But if you look at everywhere I’ve been, I’ve always played my best football here in the North East so maybe I see myself as someone who possibly struggles when I’m away from home.”

Armstrong’s previous spell in the National League saw him score 10 goals in 17 games for Gateshead during the first half of the 2018-19 season.

He also netted 23 goals for Blyth Spartans during their 2016-17 promotion winning season in the Northern Premier League.

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