St Albans City joint manager James Gray is not resigned to losing Ian Gayle.

The Dagenham and Redbridge defender joined the Saints on a 28-day loan on November 14 but it has since been extended twice. The latest extension ends on February 16. It was the last time Gray and Graham Golds can extend the loan by a month.

The club is, however, exploring the possibility of keeping Gayle for the rest of the season.

Gray told Saintsnet his is still in contact with Dagenham but admitted it will be “difficult” to get a deal done. He also attributed City’s new-found defensive strength, in part, to Gayle’s presence.

The 22-year-old was held out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Maidenhead with a tight hamstring.

“He has a history of hamstring injuries so agreed that he’d do the warm up, knowing we can change the line-up up to [30 minutes before kick-off. He got towards the end and said he didn’t feel right - he doesn’t want to set himself back six to eight weeks,” explained Gray.