Chris Powell says Huddersfield Town can score goals without James Vaughan – as long as they create the chances.

The striker could be sidelined for a month because of a calf injury.

The manager is considering a dip into the loan market, but insists there are goals in the squad as it stands.

“Going forward, I do think we are a bit light on numbers,” said Powell as he spoke ahead of the big derby against Leeds United at Elland Road.

“The attack is a priority, and we are looking, but it isn’t that easy to get goalscorers in at this stage.

“There aren’t that many of them around, and clubs aren’t always that keen on letting them go out.”

Powell can call on Leeds old boy Danny Ward, who had to come off at half-time in Tuesday’s goalless home draw with Wigan Athletic because of a migraine.

And he’s backing four-goal top scorer Nahki Wells to get back on the trail after three games without a strike.

“We can’t pin everything on James Vaughan, as good a player as he is, and we need the share things around,” added Powell.

“We know Nahki is a talented striker, not just from his exploits here but also at his previous club (Bradford City).

“Jon Stead has scored twice, so has Murray Wallace, and I’m looking for more from the midfielders.”

At the back, Powell is optimistic Joel Lynch will continues his partnership with Mark Hudson after picking up a thigh problem against Wigan.

“I think Mark has been very good in his two games so far, and he and Joel have dovetailed well,” he said.

“The situation has been tough on Murray Wallace, but I’ve spoken with him and told him to keep going, because his chance will come.

“I was also delighted for (keeper) Alex Smithies after that clean sheet the other night.

“It was the club’s first in 20 games, so that’s progress, and it’s about taking as many steps forward as we can.

“We should have got a point against Middlesbrough last weekend, we did get one against a decent Wigan side, and of course we’d love to get all three at Leeds.”

It’s Powell’s third match at the helm, and he continued: “It’s a game to look forward to.

“It’s a derby match and there will be a good crowd, so let’s enjoy it, while making sure we play the game, not the occasion.

“We have to keep our composure in an atmosphere which is obviously heightened by local pride, and we have to stick to what we set out to do.

“Derby games can be quirky, just look at last season, when I’m told we dominated the opening stages but ended up losing 5-1.

“There will inevitably be times when we come under pressure, but we have to keep doing the right things.

“Our game management needs to be good.”

Powell, who gained a 1-1 draw at Leeds when he went there as Charlton Athletic manager last season, says he is learning more about his players with every training session – and every match.

“I am sorting out exactly how I see these guys, who can do what in certain positions and situations,” he said.

“It’s a case of how can I get the best out of them? Sometimes you have to see them in games to know.”

Town go into their 63rd league derby against Leeds third-bottom of the Championship with the home side 14th after their 3-1 win at AFC Bournemouth in midweek.

There have been 26 Town derby wins to date, nine of them at Elland Road, and 19 Leeds victories, 13 at home, with 17 draws.