NOEL Hunt wants Lloyd Isgrove to use his time out wisely by building upper body strength to prepare himself sufficiently for what will be a busy festive period where his services will be required.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Isgrove will be out of action for at least a month after he tore his medial collateral ligament (knee) during Town’s 4-0 win at Crawley Town last weekend.

It means the pocket-sized 26-year-old will miss Town’s next three League Two games against Walsall, Salford City and Mansfield Town – which take place before the turn of the month – in addition to next weekend’s FA Cup first round clash away at Cheltenham Town.

Isgrove has been wearing a protective brace this week to aid his recovery, and Town assistant manager Hunt revealed the winger to be a little down in the dumps under the knowledge that he could be out for up to six weeks.

Hunt said: “It’s unfortunate and we’re gutted for Lloyd. He is gutted too.

“He’s been a bit down for the past few days and is in a brace.

“It’s natural for Lloyd to feel down, especially after how he started the season.

“He was very good for us, and he is loving his football at Swindon – he’s back to himself.

“Now is the time for him to build a bit of upper body strength so he can come back ready for the December period as a fresh player.”

As one door closes, another one opens.

Loanee Diallang Jaiyesimi will no doubt be relishing the prospect of filling Isgrove’s shoes, while Kaiyne Woolery will want to prove a point after starting in only three of Town’s six October games.

Keshi Anderson will sense an opportunity to make his mark too and further solidify his position on the team sheet.

With the above in mind, Hunt is thankful that manager Richie Wellens has made a couple of key additions to the squad to benefit the club’s threat in wide areas.

He added: “Diallang is coming back to full fitness. One door has closed but another has opened.

“Kaiyne is there too, he is a massive asset to the club and Keshi too – he can be a handful.

“We have plenty in reserve. We’ve got three or four wingers so we’re fine in that area.

“It’s a blow losing Lloyd, he started off well and was looking like he was back to his usual self in the last couple of games.”

No other injuries were reported by Hunt during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s home game against Walsall in League Two.