Henry expected to lead Hatters at Alfreton

The summer signing from Stevenage Borough has missed the last three matches after being sent off in the 1-0 defeat against AFC Telford.

In his absence, Town have won all three, turning in some excellent performances, but Buckle said: “It’s always nice to see the squad can cope without Shaw and our captain, but Ron’s a big player for us.

“We brought him to the club for a reason, he’s won lots throughout his career. He’s very, very committed and it’s something we might have lacked in the 18-yard box.

“I’ll look at that one and if I think it’s right to bring Ron back in, I won’t be afraid to do that.”

Both Janos Kovacs and Dean Beckwith spoke of their disappointment at not keeping a clean sheet against Cambridge in midweek, and that’s another reason that could see Henry return.

Buckle continued: “We’re aware that we won the game but we conceded a goal and the feeling is that we can be better.

“I’m delighted that there’s that feeling and the thing about Ronnie Henry is that he prides himself on clean sheets.

“I think you saw that at Stevenage, how many he had with Stevenage, so it’s a huge part of the game.

“(Mark) Tyler wants a clean sheet, we know that we have to be strong in the box this week and there’s always room for improvement. That pleases me the players aren’t resting on their laurels.”

Henry is also expected to regain the captain’s armband too as Jon Shaw and Janos Kovacs have both deputised recently.

Buckle said: “He’s our captain and that won’t change.

“If Ron doesn’t play then Shaw showed he can carry the armband very well, Janos has done it twice, so we try to create leaders.

“The armband gives extra responsibility and whoever’s got it, I’m confident we’ll step forward and lead the team the right way.”

Midfielder Jake Howells is also expected to be feature too despite being called up by the Welsh U21s for the UEFA European Championship 2013 qualifying clash in the Czech Republic on Monday.

Buckle said: “He’s available on Saturday as I think he goes afterwards.”

Neither Danny Spiller or Garry Richards will feature, with James Dance missing out too, but Buckle is pleased with the return to form of Adam Watkins.

He added: There’s still no Spiller or Richards, James Dance either, although Spiller is closer.

“We’re delighted with Watkins though as he had a bit of an injury in pre-season, but is looking better and better.”

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