TOWN boss Peter Jackson is ready to bring in a midfielder on loan after transferring out-of-favour Chris Holland to Division III rivals Boston United.
The McAlpine chief wasn't expecting to make progress before tomorrow's crunch trip to promotion rivals Northampton.
But he is confident of beating next Thursday's transfer deadline and having a new man to call on for the home clash with Swansea a week tomorrow.
Jackson is keen to bolster his engine-room options for the run-in after seeing Lee Fowler ruled out for the season with ankle and hernia problems.
While money is tight after the £125,000 capture of striker Pawel Abbott from Preston, the absence of former England Under 21 man Holland from the wage bill will free up funds to cover a loan.
Having signed a one-year deal last summer, Holland has played just five times, taking his total appearances since joining from Birmingham for £100,000 in February 2000 to 140.
While he is set to go into the Boston side to face Bristol Rovers at York Street, Jackson hopes to have experienced defender Steve Yates available as third-placed Town aim to once again shut out old boy Martin Smith.
Last season's 17-goal Town top scorer has netted 12 times for Northampton, who have bounced back after a shaky start to go ninth under Colin Calderwood, who replaced Martin Wilkinson at the Sixfields helm last October.
Smith is eager to atone for Northampton's 3-0 defeat at the McAlpine back in September.
"We have a bit of unfinished business with Huddersfield because they played us off the park earlier in the season," admitted the 29-year-old.
"It was one of those games in which we were never in it.
"They are flying and are going to come here full of confidence, so it is going to be a tough game.
"But it is one you have to relish, and I am especially with it being against a former club."
Calderwood is set to play Smith as part of a three-man frontline alongside Marc Richards and recent signing Eric Sabin, the former QPR and Swindon man.
He also has centre-back Paul Reid and midfielder Chris Hargreaves back after they missed Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Carlisle.
Jackson, whose side will be watched by 1,250 travelling fans, will choose between Yates and Paul Scott at centre-back.
