TOWN are backing Jon Newby to gun down his old club Bury as a central striker.
Saturday's Third Division clash marks a first return to Gigg Lane for the 24-year-old, whose form has gradually dipped for Town since he was shifted to the left flank.
Now, worries over Andy Booth's fitness because of a hamstring strain could open the door for Newby to partner leading marksman Jon Stead in a re-vamped front line.
Manager Peter Jackson, who watched Dave Mirfin score yesterday in a 1-1 friendly draw for the Reserves against Sheffield United, is confident Newby can deliver the goods if Booth misses out against Andy Preece's side, who are immediately below Town in the table.
"Boothy is still 50-50 for the game, but if Jon has to go back up front it could be just the spur he needs against his old club to get his first goal in Town colours," said Jackson today.
"In pre-season and the first couple of games, Jon looked really sharp alongside Steady and I know they like playing together, but Jon also did really well when he first went out onto the wing, allowing Boothy to play up front, and it's a shame it hasn't worked out for him in the last couple of matches.
"Jon is more frustrated about that than anyone and I know he can't wait to get cracking on Saturday in what is a big occasion for him against his old club on their own patch.
"We haven't seen the best of Jon Newby yet, but Saturday would be a fantastic match in which to get off the mark and I know he enjoys playing down the middle, so this might be just the chance he's been waiting for."
Newby has started every match so far, but after switching to the right flank during the 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers he was substituted.
Jackson hopes more than 2,000 fans will make the short cross Pennine trip on Saturday and that they'll get right behind Newby and the team.
"Jon works his socks off, he will chase lost causes all day and the only thing he needs now is a goal," added Jackson, who must find a midfield replacement for Lee Fowler who is on duty with Wales Under 21s in Italy tomorrow night.
"Once he gets one goal he will go on and get plenty more because he's got pace and a great ability to finish.
"I'd be delighted for Jon if he could do that on Saturday because he works extremely hard and he has shown a great deal of loyalty to me and to this club.
"He could have signed for seven other clubs in the summer, but he chose to join Huddersfield Town on a letter of intent and he could have walked away at any time as the offers came in.
"That says a lot about the lad and, while I know the crowd got a bit frustrated at times on Saturday, it's important they get right behind Jon and the rest of the lads over at Gigg Lane in what is another big game for us.
"I have every confidence in him, Jon himself is itching to do well and I just hope the fans raise the roof when he scores that goal."
Chris Holland (Achilles) may return to training tomorrow after having insoles fitted to his boots. Nathan Clarke played yesterday but will not be rushed back into the first team.
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