JUNIOR MENDES has extra work on his plate to regain a place in Town's League I squad.

The 28-year-old hasn't even been on the bench for the last three matches and has dropped down the pecking order with the arrival of loan man Luke Beckett.

Now, manager Peter Jackson has called on the Montserrat international to start sparking in the Reserves - starting against Boston United at the Galpharm tomorrow (2.00).

"Junior has been very disappointed not to be involved, but I'm looking for a big response from him," said Jackson, who is continuing his search for a loan defender.

"He has been pushed back a little bit with the arrival of Luke, who grabbed a couple of goals to help us earn a very welcome win against Bournemouth.

"But it's important Junior keeps his head up and works to force his way back into the first-team planning by giving good performances in the Reserves."

Jackson is delighted that Mendes will be joined in tomorrow's team by David Mirfin, who will play at right-back, and central defender John McCombe, who both trained yesterday after injury. Jackson spent yesterday in his office making calls on possible loan signings while Terry Yorath took training.

Nathan Clarke (groin) is also making good progress, but his place tomorrow goes to 17-year-old brother Tom - who could well keep his place in the senior squad for Saturday's trip to Walsall.

Michael Collins, back from skippering the Republic of Ireland Under 19s to victory in Italy, also plays tomorrow after hearing he and James Hand have retained their Eire places for a tournament in La Manga, Spain, from February 7 to 12, against Norway, the Czech Republic and Denmark.

Reserves - Senior, Mirfin, McCombe, T Clarke, Lloyd, Mendes, Ahmed, Collins, Schofield, A Sodje, McAliskey.