Paul Fairclough's plans took a major blow on Monday when 22-year-old newly appointed Barnet skipper Ismail Yakubu sustained a groin injury in training.

The central defender is likely to be out for a month and summer signing from PROTEC, James Cole is the likely deputy in the difficult away tie to Championship Norwich City in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Yakubu, who has been developing a good partnership with 29-year-old vice captain Sagi Burton, missed several games at the end to have a hip operation. This latest injury is another setback to Barnet's longest serving player.

Dennis Signy