MARK Albrighton says he is desperate to grab his chance at a return to the Nuneaton Town squad this weekend.
The veteran central defender has been exiled to the bench since the 2-1 win at Vauxhall Motors on September 10, but he is set for a recall at Harrogate Town on Saturday with Gaz Dean suspended for the match.
Albrighton admits he has found it difficult being out of the side having been expected to be a key player when he signed in the summer.
He said: “It’s been very tough being left out but no one is guaranteed a place in the side.
“Gaz Dean is suspended so I hopefully come in on Saturday and if I do well and we win I give the manager a decision and Gaz will have to wait.
“I’ve been itching to play every single game since Vauxhall. I’ve been doing as much work as I can in training.
“I’ve started a new job now and that involves nights so I miss the odd session.
“I still go to the gym in the day and do as much as I can to stay sharp.
“Obviously it’s down to the manager to pick the side for Saturday and I’m hoping I’ll be in that side.” Former Doncaster Rovers defender Albrighton says the whole team were devastated by Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Nantwich Town.
A terrible error from keeper Neil Collett gifted Nantwich the only goal but Albrighton says everyone must remember how impressive Collett has been this season.
“We were devastated in the changing room. Getting through to the first round is massive as we could maybe have got a league club to come to the Boro ground.
“That’s not the case now but we’ve got our arm around Collett. He’s been the best player this season.
“He’s dropped a clanger for the goal but you’ve got to look at the games he’s saved us in,” he said.
Albrighton says it is now imperative that Boro focus on trying to produce a performance at Harrogate.
“I think we are trying to play consistently well. Sometimes it doesn’t work that way.
“You get suspensions and injuries.
We’ve got to look forwards and prepare hard for Saturday.
“Hopefully we’ll put on a good performance,” he said.
THE Blue Square Bet North manager of the month for October is Neil Aspin from FC Halifax Town.
Aspin’s side won five of their six games during the month, including three FA Cup matches to set up a home tie with League One leaders Charlton Athletic in the first round proper.
Halifax also beat high-flying Hyde in a 3-2 thriller at The Shay as they aim to climb back into the top half of the table and challenge for a play-off place.
The player of the month for October is Damian Reeves from Altrincham.
Striker Reeves found the net five times in three league matches during the month including a hat-trick in his sides’ 6-1 win over Boston United.
He was also on the scoresheet in their 3-2 win over Vauxhall Motors and their defeat at Stalybridge Celtic.
