WARRINGTON Town boss Paul Carden has blasted a situation that has left two of his new additions unable to play.

Defender David Raven and winger Jack Mackreth were both last registered with National League side Wrexham, so their signings require international clearance from the Football Association of Wales.

Both are clear to play in friendlies and featured heavily in Yellows’ pre-season campaign.

However, they have been forced to watch their opening two Evo-Stik Premier Division games from the sidelines as their clearance still has not been confirmed.

Carden slammed the delay as “a farce” but is hopeful of having at least one of the players available for their two fixtures this weekend – a home game against Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday and a Bank Holiday Monday trip to Bamber Bridge, both kick offs 3pm.

“I’m hopeful. We’re onto the relevant associations to try and sort it out,” he told the Guardian.

“Dave Raven’s registration went in on July 30, so the fact we’re still waiting now is a farce.

“The players aren’t earning when they are not playing, so I can’t believe it is taking so long.

“We’re not the only ones suffering, but they are two massive players for us.

“When they are back, we will certainly be stronger.

“I’m hopeful we can get at least one of Dave and Jack internationally cleared, so that will give us some more options for the weekend.”

Town go into the weekend having picked up their first victory of the new Evo-Stik Premier Division season via a 3-1 win at Lancaster City on Tuesday night.

That followed a disappointing 2-0 loss to Farsley Celtic in their opener at Cantilever Park, with Yellows 11th in the embryonic league table.

As his revamped squad continues to gel, Carden is refusing to get carried away despite moving in the right direction on Tuesday.

“We had two players in the starting 11 at Lancaster who were here last season – Tony McMillan in goal and Tony Gray up front,” he said.

“The two centre-halves are new to this league, as is the whole midfield.

“When you put that into perspective, not only is it a new team but its lads who are all new to the level.

“I know we’ve got good players who have come from higher leagues, it does take a bit of getting used to coming down to a new level.

“There’s still things we need to work on. We can’t get carried away because we’ve had a good win.

“We need to tighten up a few things, like gifting silly goals that make us have to climb back into games.

“The lads seem to be really getting on well, which is a good sign and the win at Lancaster will do them the world of good.”

With two games in three days coming up, some players who have yet to start a game this year may come into play.

Despite some injuries and the aforementioned international clearance issues, Carden is confident he can keep things fresh.

“Obviously, we might still be without Dave Raven and Jack Mackreth,” he said.

“Adam Carden’s hamstring is still not right, so the numbers soon dwindle.

“Shaun Beeley should come back in for the weekend, so that’s obviously a bonus.

“Richard Brodie, Dylan Vassallo and Liam Hynes haven’t started a game yet, so they could come in if we need to freshen it up.”