STEVE Jenkins is anxious to arm his young daughter Millie with classroom bragging rights when she returns to lessons at her Huddersfield school on Monday morning.

The Welsh defender is desperate to play against his old club tomorrow and was hoping his injured left calf would have improved sufficiently to allow him to train today.

He said: "I really want to play in the game and I'll give myself every chance."

Jenkins made more than 250 appearances for the Terriers over eight seasons in West Yorkshire.

He said: "My house is just 20 minutes from the ground and my six-year-old daughter still goes to school in Huddersfield.

"I think the club is doing a deal where the kids get in for a couple of quid so there's quite a few people from her school going.

"No doubt it'll be all blue and white behind the goal where they are but I'm guaranteed one supporting voice from someone in a red shirt."

Millie is not his only supporter though.

He has been hailed by manager Andy King for his performances this season and Alan Reeves feels Town could do a lot worse than target a few more like 'Jenks' this summer.

Reeves took training in King's absence yesterday and reflected on Jenkins' impact as well as the noticeable lack of vehicles in the car park at Wanborough.

He said: "Jenks has done a great job since he came here to be honest.

"The gaffer and I will sit down soon to talk about players and look at the list of those being released.

"You obviously need good young lads for the future but I think it's important to have good, experienced professionals like Jenks in there as well.

"He knows what it's about at this level, he's clocked up a lot of games and he isn't afraid to encourage and point things out to the younger lads.

"If we can get in a couple more like Jenks in the summer then that should serve us in good stead."

Of more immediate concern for Messrs King and Reeves is finding 11 fit players to field at the Galpharm Stadium tomorrow.

Brian Howard, Stefani Miglioranzi and Sean O'Hanlon are definitely out with both Jenkins and Sam Parkin struggling.

It means Michael Pook will almost certainly continue in midfield with youngsters Andy Caton, Ben Wells and Ashan Holgate all expected to travel north.

Reeves said: "We're down to the bare bones again."