The press release read:

"Dundalk FC have conceded defeat in their efforts to have Sam Malsom ruled as eligible to play for the club before July, and the player is returning to the UK to take up a trial offer.

Ian Foster hopes to have the pacey striker back with the club in the summer, and in the meantime is looking to beef up his striker options with another quality player.

Having most recently completed his last professional contract with Icelandic club FC Throttur Reykjavik, to maintain his fitness Malsom lined out as a non-contract player with local Devon team Tiverton Town FC who play in the Southern League. It seems that this attempt to remain fit and sharp has backfired, with the FAI ruling him ineligible.

Sam Malsom said: "I'm really disappointed that I can't appear for Dundalk until July. My agent had understood that keeping fit with my local side would not prevent me playing for another club.

"It seems that while it would be no problem if I registered with another club in the UK or in other European countries, I can't register and play here before the summer. I hope that I can be back and competing in the Europa League with Dundalk in July - it's a marvellous club with a great bunch of lads and passionate supporters".

Malsom's departure leaves Ian Foster with only Fahrudin Kudosovic and Neale Fenn as the only fit recognised out and out strikers at the club.

See Wednesday's Dundalk Democrat for more on Malsom's departure.