Manager Paul Simpson has backed his injury-hit squad to come through Saturday’s home clash with Bradford – despite being down to the bare minimum.

A host of fitness worries has left Town with just 18 first-team squad members at their disposal for the weekend, just enough for a full quota of seven substitutes.

That figure didn’t change yesterday with no arrivals or departures from the Prostar Stadium on a quiet transfer deadline day.

Simpson revealed he had made numerous attempts to bolster his squad in the last week, but elected against it after his primary targets proved elusive.

“I had been working on trying to get in one permanent signing and a number of loan options into the club but the ones I wanted weren’t available for one reason or another,” said the Town boss.

“I didn’t think the players we could have brought in were better than the ones we had here and there is no point developing young players for other clubs when we have our own players we want to to develop here.

“That’s why we brought in four first-year professionals this season and why we are getting some of the scholars involved with training with the professionals.

“There is a concern we are down to 18 players for Saturday but I’m pleased with the people we have in our squad.”

Town have been rocked by a string of setbacks with Chris Neal, Mike Jackson, Craig Disley, Terry Dunfield and Omer Riza all ruled out of action for between three weeks and three months.

But Town will get the chance to strengthen next week when the window for loan signings re-opens.

The injury problems mean teenagers Jake Simpson, Andreas Arestadou, Harry Hooman and Andre Gray will all be involved in Saturday’s squad.

Boss Simpson also revealed youth team members including Danny Taylor, Jon Taylor, Will Richards and Connor Goldstone will continue to get their chance to train with the senior squad throughout the campaign.

By JAMES GARRISON