Skipper Ismail Yakubu is out for the rest of the season because of persistent groin problems.

Manager Paul Fairclough made this not unexpected announcement after the 3-0 home win against Bury - the fourth consecutive game that the 22-year-old Yakubu has missed. The central defender has to return to see a consultant next week, but Fairclough had already decided to "stand him down" once the Bees were safe from relegation.

Yakubu mised the closing games of last season to have an operation in a bid to be fit to start this campaign.

Michael Leary continued as captain of the side alongside Sagi Burton against Bury - "it looks as if he has played there all his life", said Fairclough of the converted midfielder, whose "rehabilitation" after being sent off twice in a month earlier this year continued. He has committed only two fouls in three games in defence after his two red cards.

Fairclough added: "What happened to Michael was a life-shock ... he'll never be the same person again. He has moulded in a different player, a different person".

The manager also said that he would be surprised if goalkeeper Rob Beckwith, who had a recurrence of a recent hamsting injury in the warm-up away to Mansfield Town, would play again this seaon.

With Lee Harrison requiring treatment for back injury, Fairclough decided against gambling without a substitute keeper and called in young Phil Carpenter to sit on the bench.

Because of the injury situation, Fairclough decided to extend the loan of Watford full back Jordan Parkes beyond this weekend.

Kenny Gillet is still a week from a return and Joe Devera and Neal Bishop need new injuries assessed on Monday to see if they are fit for the midweek visit to Rochdale,where the Bees will be hoping to extend a run of five games unbeaten.

NOTE: The official Underhill attendance on Saturday was announced as 2054.

Dennis Signy