LEE FOWLER has been charged with inspiring a points surge from Town before missing another match through his Welsh international duty.

Manager Peter Jackson felt the 20-year-old had his best game for the club in Tuesday's Carling Cup success against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

And he now wants the Coventry loan man to ensure six home points against Leyton Orient and Kidderminster before he misses Town's next McAlpine date against Torquay on October 11 because he's been called up by Wales Under 21s to face Serbia and Montenegro in a Euro 2004 qualifier at Barry Town.

"People tend to forget Lee is only young and has played very few games, but picking the ball up in front of the back three the other night he looked a very good player," said Jackson, who confirmed he will stick with the 3-5-2 formation on Saturday.

"Lee was outstanding - it was his best performance so far - and I think he can be a big asset over the next two to three years if he maintains his standards.

"His loan spell is up at the beginning of November and, obviously, I'm hoping to do something with Coventry about him because Lee does like it here and he's doing a good job."

One of the reasons for sticking with 3-5-2 against Orient is that right-back Ian Hughes is definitely ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Skipper Rob Edwards is still rated only 50-50 and Jackson said: "The system worked very well for us the other night, when we created plenty of chances, and I think the performance merits sticking with the same.

"It is not just a defensive system, it can be very attacking as well, and should the need arise, we are versatile enough to go back to 4-4-2. The important thing is that the lads are comfortable and they are raring to go after the win up at Sunderland, which was superb."

Jackson watched from the stand yesterday as Bay Athletic trialist Paul Pike (2) and Nat Brown were on target for Town Reserves in a 3-0 win against Rotherham.

Defender Nathan Clarke and midfield man Chris Holland each played 90 minutes, as did Tyrone Thompson at right-back.

"I thought the whole display against a strong Rotherham side was good, especially as we involved quite a few youngsters once again," said the manager.

"Holland and Clarke both got stronger as the game went on and Paul Pike took his goals well.

"He needs to work on his strength and fitness, but he has stepped up well from local level and has definitely got something about him.

"He needs the benefit of full-time training, so we'll see what develops in the coming weeks."

Town's have 1,950 seats for the all-ticket trip to Lincoln (October 18). Prices are £15 adults, £10 seniors and £5 juniors and they go on sale to season-ticket holders from 9.30 on Monday. They will be on general sale from October 6.

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