JAMIE McCOMBE was more than happy to chalk up his seventh goal in Huddersfield Town colours against Brentford.

But the big centre-back is quick to take his hat off to teammate Jordan Rhodes when it comes to finishing.

The prolific striker registered his 28th goal of the campaign at club level to complete the 3-2 comeback victory which put Town back into League I’s automatic places.

And with Sheffield rivals United and Wednesday in FA Cup action tomorrow, Lee Clark’s men have the chance to strengthen their grip on second spot when they visit Tranmere.

Fourth-placed Wednesday’s 3-1 midweek win at Scunthorpe means only goal difference separates the trio of Yorkshire rivals, who each have 53 points from 27 games.

Town can make it four wins running in Birkenhead, when Rhodes will aim to add to a run of 13 goals in seven games.

His classy winner against Brentford, which followed a Town opener by Alan Lee and McCombe’s headed equaliser, was all about calmness and precision under pressure.

He latched on to a long-distance pass from Danny Ward, held off two defenders and then slotted home an angled shot.

And McCombe, impressive after a stint at League I rivals Preston but with fresh competition in the form of Reading loanee Sean Morrison, said: “It was a finish worthy of winning any game.

“That’s why Jordan’s being talked about so much. He’s come on leaps and bounds in the time I’ve been at the club (since July 2010). He’s definitely got a bright future.

“We’re confident of keeping hold of him until at least the end of the season. Maybe after that the world’s his oyster. I’m sure he’s destined for the Premier League.

“He’s a level-headed lad and fantastic teammate. He deserves all the great things that I’m sure are on their way to him.

“But for the moment, we need him and we all hope that he continues scoring the goals that will hopefully help us get to the Championship.”

Town will aim to hit the ground running at Prenton Park, where they won 2-0 on each of their last three visits, after a sluggish start against Brentford.

“The wind was quite deceptive and you’ve got to credit Brentford, because they played a negative formation really well,” added McCombe.

“We were poor in the first half an hour. None of us were on top of our game and we didn’t give the fans much to shout about.

“But we got back in it and in the second half, while we didn’t play much of our usual good stuff, we felt that we had enough in the tank to force a winner.”

Tranmere will head into the game desperate for only a second win in 13 outings which would put space between themselves and the relegation zone.

Les Parry’s side, beaten 2-0 by Town at the Galpharm back in September, have slipped to 17th, but defender Danny Holmes insisted: “It’s not all doom and gloom.

“We’re a positive bunch and we’re always looking forward and hopefully we’ll get the result we want against Huddersfield.”

Parry, whose squad includes two former Town players in keeper Paul Rachubka, on loan from Leeds, and striker Lucas Akins, has been hit by injury problems.

Keeper Owain Fon Williams (broken hand), defender David Raven (groin), midfielder Joss Labadie (foot) and attackers Andy Robinson (knee) and Enoch Showunmi (leg) are all ruled out.

Defender Zoumana Bakayogo (knee) and striker Adam McGurk (hamstring) have a chance of figuring after returning to training.

Parry is searching for a loan striker after bringing in Everton midfielder James Wallace and West Brom frontman Lateef Elford-Alliyu.