GARY NAYSMITH is more than happy to skipper Huddersfield Town – but he’s ready to hand the job back to Peter Clarke whenever the centre-half returns from injury.

With Clarke recovering after surgery on a double hernia, Naysmith was captain for the fifth League I match running at Stevenage on Tuesday.

And the left-back who has led both Sheffield United and Scotland would be happy to do the job again at Bury on Saturday – when leading scorer Jordan Rhodes is set to return after being on duty for Scotland Under 21s in their goalless draw with Holland in St Mirren last night.

But the ex-Everton man Naysmith was quick to add: “It’s only temporary, and we all know who the real captain is.

“We’re looking forward to having Pete fit and pushing for his place once again because he’s a top man to have around.”

Of his stand-in duties, Naysmith explained: “It’s been good, and it’s a job I’m happy to do, but in reality, we have quite a few leaders in this side.”

Naysmith aims to help promotion-chasing Town remain unbeaten under Simon Grayson and collect a second win in three games under his command over at Gigg Lane.

It would have been two wins from two had Stevenage not completed a comeback from two down with a late leveller on Tuesday.

And Naysmith added: “Attacking wise it’s looking fine, but we need to do some work on a few things, which we will.

“Stevenage is never an easy place to go, but we got ourselves into a good position and we’re gutted we couldn’t hold out for the three points.

“But we still got one and we have put down a platform under the new manager. Now we need to go and get a win at Bury, and that’s something we’re capable of.”

Fourth-placed Town’s first competitive game at Bury since a 2-1 League II defeat in September 2003 is one of three key Roses derbies.

Third-placed Sheffield Wednesday are at nearby Rochdale while Sheffield United, in second, take on Oldham at Bramall Lane.

MK Dons, in fifth, are at Hartlepool, who are Town’s visitors next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Stevenage boss Gary Smith believes his side’s comeback against Town will give Boro a mental edge if the pair should meet up in the League I play-offs.

“There’s a very good chance we’ll be competing against Huddersfield again for a possible play-off final spot,” said Smith.

“We’d all like to be there and I think that’s going to put a very serious seed of doubt in their mind.”

Smith was buoyed by the performance after back-to-back defeats at Notts County and Charlton.

“They players have yet again shown again against a top three team that they’re a good match and capable of beating those sides, and regularly,” he said.

“I think that bodes well not just with the point on the board but for the future.”