FEARLESS tackler Paul Scott will get his first Town start in nine months in Saturday's big McAlpine clash with Bristol Rovers.

The 23-year-old utility player starred as a substitute in Monday's 1-1 draw at Doncaster when going on as a second-half substitute for the injured Steve Yates.

Manager Peter Jackson today left Scott out of the Reserves' team against Bradford and confirmed he will start on Saturday alongside Efe Sodje at the heart of defence.

Scott, in turn, has promised he is raring to go against Ray Graydon's side, who haven't met Town since the play-off final at Wembley in 1995.

Jackson, who watched Mansfield beat Scunthorpe 5-0 last night, said: "Scotty took his chance really well on Monday.

"It was a big game for him and a big test, but he came through without putting a foot wrong."

Scott, who last started a match in November last year as a midfielder in the goalless home draw with Wycome, is delighted to step up as Town seek a first League win of the season.

"I'm ready and I'll give it my all," said the Reserves captain and Player of the Year.

"I said last time that I wanted to push for the first team this season, but with all the new signings coming in I've just had to play as well as I can and wait for my chance.

"I enjoyed it on Monday. It was just a matter of winning my headers and challenges and keeping it as tight as I could at the back."

And his hopes for Saturday?

"A first League win would mean everything to all the lads and the supporters as well," he said.

"We know we haven't been the best the last couple of games, but we feel we'll get there eventually and three points on Saturday would be a big boost for everyone."

While Nathan Clarke was due to play a full 90 minutes in the Reserves - Nat Brown was making his first start after a knee injection - club captain Rob Edwards (hamstring) was testing himself for 45. Chris Holland, who was on the bench at Belle Vue, suffered a calf injury in training yesterday.

Lee Fowler will play for Wales Under 21s against Italy (away) on September 5 and Finland at home four days later. He will miss Town's trip to Bury a week on Saturday.

Academy duo Michael Collins (first cap) and Mark Sheridan played for part of the Republic of Ireland Youth team's 2-0 defeat by the Czech Republic last night.

Next story