Steve Staunton says he has delayed a re-arranged date for Saturday's postponed game at Cheltenham due to the importance of the fixture.

The Quakers boss admits there was nothing anyone could do about the club's latest postponement, although accepts it was all the more disappointing due to the distance travelled by away fans.

But Staunton says he has declined an offer by the Robins, immediately after Saturday's cancelled game, to re-arrange the fixture at Whaddon Road as early as this week.

"Cheltenham actually wanted to re-arrange the game for this week, but I felt it was too short notice for us," revealed the Darlo boss.

"It's far too an important a game, for both sides, and I want to be able to prepare for it properly, so I felt it was in our interests to delay it.

"We've been in that position ourselves, what can you do? It's frustrating but there's nothing we can do about the weather.

"It's a great shame and it's very disappointing for our fans, especially, given they'd already made the long trip down there.

"I guess it's part and parcel of football, but it never makes it any easier."

Darlington now face a hectic few months to catch up with their fixture backlog, with the Quakers due to play six games in 22 days this month, beginning with their home game against Rotherham on Saturday.

But Staunton is delighted to have brought in extra defensive cover in the shape of transfer window deadline day signing Richie Byrne.

The Irish 28-year-old left-back, formerly of Aberdeen, Dunfermline and Oldham, joined the club on Monday until the end of the season.

Staunton said: "Richie can play as a left-back or as a left centre-back. He's a very aggressive, no-nonsense defender and is strong in the tackle, but he can play as well.

"He'll be a great addition to the squad for us, especially with the amount of games coming up."