There will be at least one change to the team at Scunthorpe tomorrow as midfielder Neil Mustoe is definitely ruled out for the next two to three weeks with a torn hamstring, and Tom Cowan is also a definite absentee according to physio Ken Steggles, despite being desperate to play.

The on-loan left-back has twisted an ankle and is not expected to return to training until next week.

"Jerry (Marc Joseph) came in to do a very good job as a full-back against Bristol," said Roy McFarland in today's Cambridge Evening News, "but Tom is the specialist in that position and was playing very well until his injury. There's quite a lot of thinking to do about the midfield and there could be a change or two, but it all hangs on whether or not Tom will be playing."

Danish midfielder John Hansen could be recalled to the side, allowing Tom Youngs to switch to the right wing while Roy McFarland has to consider whether old warhorse John Taylor can play another 90 minutes up front.

Taylor said this week, "I need two days rest after every match - the legs aren't what they used to be - but by training, eating and drinking sensibly I am able to get through each game."

With 97 goals for Cambridge United under his belt Taylor has the century in his sights now and last season, when I asked him if he thought he could reach that historic target, he replied, "Never say never."

This run in the side after Martin Butler's departure must have come as a surprise to the 35-year-old but with Steve Guinan and now Michael Kyd ruled out by injury, and 20-year-old striker Tom Youngs having success breaking forward from midfield, the only other options were rookies like Zema Abbey, Daniel Chillingworth, Andy Ingham or Nathan Lamey.

"I expected the occasional appearance as substitute at the end of last season, let alone this one," admitted Taylor, "but I've found I can do it if I train properly and look after myself. And the most important thing is that I still really enjoy playing.

"It seems I've struck up a good understanding with Trevor, with Tom Youngs coming through from midfield, and that enables me to play a game where I don't have to do too much running. And, as Trevor learns to hold the ball up, I can help bring people up into attack.

"If the best thing is for me to play in the remaining games I will, even if at some stage I have to drop training and take longer breaks. That's something we would also consider for other players if it means getting them out there in the matches. It's taken a while, but the team knows what the second division is about now. We've bridged a seven-points gap, and now we can say our fate is in our own hands. We all believe we can win the battle."

Manager McFarland has no doubts about the importance of tomorrow's relegation 'six pointer', telling the CEN, "It is another crucially important game for us, against the side above us in the table. If Scunthorpe win they could break clear of the bottom group, and it's in our interests to keep as many sides in there as possible. I believe there are still eight clubs in the relegation fight.

"We've had injuries, but our recent away form will give us a big boost tomorrow, plus the display against Bristol when we had a very good win against the only team who outclassed us this season, at their place in the Worthington Cup."

Opposite number Brian Laws, who was in the frame for the Abbey post when McFarland was appointed, has to inspire his side to repeat the form which saw them record an excellent win at Millwall on Tuesday. The Iron have won only four times at home and if they lose tomorrow they will be plunged back into the relegation battle, although they could be boosted by the return of £200,000 record signing Steve Torpey and top scorer Guy Ipoua. Laws can also call upon this week's new signings Mark Jackson from Leeds and Richard Hodgson from Nottingham Forest.