Mark Robins says Jon Stead is more than capable of spearheading Huddersfield Town’s bid for a win at Wigan in their historic 4,000th Football League match today.
The 30-year-old frontman stepped into the space left by James Vaughan’s suspension and grabbed his first goal since returning to Town this summer to clinch last Saturday’s 3-2 derby triumph over Leeds.
And Robins, who is without his 11-goal top scorer for two more Championship matches, said: “He led the line really well, he’s a very capable footballer and you know Jon will always put a shift in.
“He needs to get some rhythm and this is a great opportunity for him. Jon deserves his chance to face Wigan.”
The Town chief is keeping his exact selection plans close to his chest, but suggested those involved against Leeds will figure again at the DW Stadium, explaining: “They did their chances no harm whatsoever.”
Defender Joel Lynch will play despite facing surgery on a thumb problem on Monday.
Striker Martin Paterson is also set for an operation on a unspecified arm injury.
Paterson and midfielder Adam Clayton were both left our of the squad for last week's 3-2 home derby win over Leeds amid talk of a training-ground bust-up.
Clayton and centre-back Anthony Gerrard, who was also omitted from the Leeds squad, both played for the Under 21s this week, but there was no sign of Paterson.
