Luke Armstrong set to remain with Hartlepool United on loan from Salford City until the end of the 2020-21 season as Dave Challinor explains deal

The 24-year-old striker has netted five goals in five National League games for Pools since his arrival as Dave Challinor’s side climbed up to second in the National League table.

Since his arrival at Victoria Park last month, Armstrong has scored more goals than any other player in the National League and is a strong contender to be named as the division’s Player of the Month for December.

Although Armstrong’s initial loan technically expires this month, any potential concerns were quickly put to bed by Challinor as he explained the nature of the deal.

“Luke is one where his deal was agreed in December as a loan until January but in reality it’s until the end of the season,” Challinor told The Mail.

“Legally you’re not allowed to do a loan until the end of the season in December so we had to do it as a short term loan until January and then we’ll extend it until the end of the season.

"Unless I’m told differently, that’s how it will work and Luke wants to be with us and has committed to us until the end of the season and so have the two clubs.

"I don’t see that case changing, it was always the plan and we’re planning for him to be with us until the end of the season.

"Hopefully by the end of the season he’s continued with a record of a goal a game for us because if he does that then everyone will benefit.”

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