PETER JACKSON was more than happy to chalk up his first managerial win over Gillingham.
But he described the circumstances leading to defender Martin McIntosh's non-appearance as "a sad situation".
Despite being told he was free to look for another club, the Scot, who is out of contract this summer, had started the previous three Town matches.
"Everyone knows I had a word with Martin McIntosh a couple of weeks ago and said I wanted him to prove me wrong regarding my inability to guarantee him a contract for next season," he said.
"But he came into my office on Wednesday and said that if he wasn't going to be offered a contract, then his mind wasn't going to be on this game.
"I obviously don't want a player whose mind isn't on the game out on the pitch.
"It's a sad situation, but Martin was still at the match, and he remains a Huddersfield Town player until the end of the season.
"I'm disappointed about his reaction, but that's the way things are.
"His future in the team is now up to him. I said to him a few weeks ago that my mind could be changed, but at the moment, that isn't going to happen."
Jackson has an additional defensive problem after Nathan Clarke limped off in the 71st minute with what could be an aggravation of the knee injury which had kept him out since November.
"We should know more after a full assessment (today)," reported Jackson.
"I was delighted at the way in which Nathan had come back in, and he was absolutely distraught at having injured the same knee.
"He has had miserable luck this season and it has soured a great victory for us."
John McCombe replaced Clarke and could be set for a Saturday showdown with his brother Jamie, who plays for Bristol City.
Jackson will also expect to have Blackburn loan signing Andy Taylor available for Ashton Gate.
The left-back missed out against Gillingham after suffering illness last week.
That gave 17-year-old Joe Skarz another chance to impress after he signed a first professional contract last week and the boss said: "Full credit to Joe, he came in and did a fantastic job."
David Mirfin came in for the most praise, however.
Jackson said of his consistent centre-back: "Mirf was outstanding.
"This was one of his best performances for the club across the board - his heading, his distribution and his covering.
"I think everyone can see that I have a very special centre-back on my hands."
On the overall display, Jackson commented: "I'm pleased because we are only six points off the play-offs.
"I selected an attacking formation and it showed with a tremendous start (two goals in the first eight minutes).
"Gillingham got one back but on the whole, we weren't threatened, and it was a comfortable and deserved win for us."
