FRUSTRATION is mounting at Knowsley Road over the continued non-appearance of Kiwi Test wingman Francis Meli.

A hitch over submitting his visa application has meant that Meli has missed the first four games of the new Super League season – and there are yet no signs of an imminent arrival from New Zealand.

And although youngster Tom Armstrong has been an able deputy in that period, coach Mick Potter revealed that the delay is now irritating all sections of the club.

Potter said: “I spoke to Francis yesterday and he hadn’t heard whether he has or hasn’t been accepted.

“It is terrible and is starting to annoy a few people at the club now. It is grinding a little bit on the players who have done all the hard work in the pre-season and would like to see him here and working hard like them.

“It is possible he is working hard back in New Zealand – there is an element of trust here and hopefully he is doing the right thing for himself and the team and he arrives in a healthy state if he gets his visa.

“In his absence Tom Armstrong is doing okay but still has a little bit to learn.

“I am happy with his performances and he is doing what I expect a young guy to do. His natural position is probably centre but he is doing okay on the wing.”

Armstrong, who grabbed Saints’ only score in Saturday’s win over the fledgling Welsh outfit Celtic Crusaders, will retain his place for Friday’s visit of the other Super League new boys.

Salford have made a disappointing start to the season – and they will come to the GPW Stadium without former Saints strike centre Willie Talau, who is sidelined with a depressed cheekbone fracture.

Saints will be looking to get a bit of momentum – and the fans will be looking to see a sharper attacking performance than they have witnessed so far this season.

Potter said: “Salford were not at their best at the weekend and they will be looking to do better against us on Friday. It will be interesting in that we need to put in a good performance and need to keep up our momentum.”

Saints will be without packman Maurie Fa’asavalu who has been suspended for one game and fined £300 after being found guilty of an illegal tackling technique during the win in Bridgend.