TOWN manager Peter Jackson will plunge Jon Newby straight back into the first-team squad against Boston at the McAlpine on Saturday (3.00).

The 25-year-old striker hasn't figured on the senior stage for almost four months while battling back from knee surgery.

Newby scored twice in the Reserves' victory at Bradford on Tuesday night, however, and Jackson plans to fast-track him into a play-off bid hunt for a fifth successive victory.

"Jon looked really really sharp and performed like the player we knew we were buying in the summer," said Jackson, who confirmed Town will be playing York at Bootham Crescent a week on Sunday (3.00) because of Scarborough's FA Cup-tie at home to Chelsea.

"He needs to get involved in the first team again and to score as soon as possible, because he is a confidence player.

"But with the fans right behind him and the boost of a successful comeback from his injury problems, Jon is well capable of netting double figures in the second half of the season.

"He did it in the first half of last season for Bury and it would be great if he could hit that sort of form for us in the important games coming up.

"Jon Newby looking strong, sharp and confident again - like he did in pre-season - will be like having a new player on the books and he will definitely go straight into the squad for the Boston match on Saturday."

News of Newby's inclusion is timely because Andy Booth is rated only 50-50 to make his return after a groin injury.

Chris Holland and Lee Fowler are vying to replace injury victim Rob Edwards in midfield against a Boston side who are fresh from a 3-1 win against Macclesfield which lifted them four points clear of the drop zone.

"Everyone will be coming here thinking it's a home banker because of our excellent form, but we certainly can't afford to think like that," said Jackson.

"Boston are not going to lie down and we are not only going to have to work extremely hard to beat them but we are also going to have to maintain the standards we've set at home all season - good habits.

"Playing like we can, we should have no fear of facing anyone in this division, but we have to live up to the standards we have set on a regular basis and be determined to keep our run going for as long as possible."

North Yorkshire police have refused to stage Scarborough and York at home in big matches on the same day, which is why Town's trip has been moved back 24 hours to Sunday (the 25th).

Anyone with a ticket who cannot now attend can claim a refund from the McAlpine. Town have sold over 1,100 tickets but still have 1,300 left for uncovered terracing or restricted view.

Meanwhile, defender Paul Scott had ankle surgery yesterday which revealed some minor ligament damage. He is expected back in training in four weeks.

Tony Carss will return to training next week while Jackson is talking with trialist keeper Paul Evans about the future.