St Albans City are trying to extend the loan deals of Ian Gayle and Charlie Smith.

Herts Advertiser: Ian Gayle in action against Wealdstone. Picture: Leigh PageIan Gayle in action against Wealdstone. Picture: Leigh Page (Image: Archant)

Gayle, from Dagenham and Redbridge, and Luton Town’s Smith joined the Saints ahead of the 1-0 win over Basingstoke Town, in which Smith’s debut goal separated the teams.

While Smith has impressed in fits and starts, Gayle has been one of City’s more reliable performers over the past month, and joint managers James Gray and Graham Golds have seen enough that they’d like to keep them both around.

In the wake of Ben Martin’s departure, keeping Gayle will ease the pressure on Darren Locke’s return from injury and Omar Beckles’ move to full-time centre-back.