JOE SKARZ has welcomed the arrival of fellow left-back Andy Taylor - even if it means he loses his Town starting slot at Bristol City on Saturday.

Galpharm manager Peter Jackson brought in Taylor, 20, on loan from Premier League Blackburn last week.

But a bout of illness kept him out of the 3-1 League I home win over Gillingham on Saturday.

Academy player Skarz, who last week signed his first full professional contract (he is now committed to the club until the summer after next), made his ninth appearance as Town chalked up a third win in four unbeaten games.

But the 17-year-old will probably have to wait to take his tally into double figures.

Taylor has trained successfully all this week, and seems sure to get the nod as Town aim for a double against the West Country side, who were beaten 2-1 at the Galpharm back in August.

"The gaffer explained the situation with Andy Taylor to me, and I'm fine with it," explained Skarz, pictured.

"There's always going to be competition for places at a football club.

"I'm at a very early stage of my career, and I'm more than happy at the progress I've made this season.

"Andy has come through a very good system at Blackburn, and as a player who still has a huge amount to learn, I'm hoping to pick things up from him."

Jackson, who released experienced left-back Danny Adams last month, commented: "Signing Andy was in no way a reflection on Joe.

"The fact is that Joe has come through ahead of schedule and done really well, which is why he's got his contract for next season.

"He's definitely a bright hope for the future, but we don't want to push him too far too soon.

"That's why we took the opportunity to bring in Andy Taylor, initially for a month, although it could be extended.

"Andy rang up saying he felt ill last Thursday, and while he came in on Friday, he wasn't quite right.

"While he didn't play against Gillingham, he and his dad came to watch the match

"He's trained well this week, and all things being equal, he will probably get the nod against Bristol."

Town are without four injured players on Saturday: skipper Jon Worthington (groin) and knee injury victims Nathan Clarke, who was today due to have a scan, his younger brother Tom and Mark Hudson.

And experienced centre-back Martin McIntosh, who has been told he is free to find another club, appears to be out of favour after saying he didn't feel in the right frame to play against Gillingham.

Bristol, aiming to bounce back from successive 1-0 defeats by Cheltenham and Scunthorpe, hope to have 14-goal top scorer Phil Jevons back after an ankle injury.

Jevons, who has missed the last five first-team games, completed the full 90 minutes as City's Reserves won 2-1 at Hereford on Tuesday.

Jevons didn't score, but he hit a post and came through without any further problems.

He could get an immediate slot in attack against Town, with a possible reshuffle involving left winger Brian Wilson dropping to the bench.

Scott Murray could well move to that slot with Kevin Betsy taking over on the right.

City, of course, have their huge FA Cup replay against Premier League Middlesbrough to look forward to next Tuesday, while their two-legged derby against Rovers in the area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy has also distracted them from the business of picking up League points.