Ashley Carew, who scored Barnet's goal against Chesterfield with a free kick from inside his own half, will be assessed by physiotherapist Mark Stein today to see if he is fit to retain his place at right back for tomorrow's visit to Brighton and Hove Albion in the first round of the Carling Cup.

 

The 22-year-old Carew went off with a back injury 12 minutes from the end of the 3-1 defeat by Chesterfield at Underhill on Saturday and was replaced by Michael Leary.

 

Carew told www.barnetfc.com on his way to training today: "I got a knock on it and it is still stiff and bruised this morning".

 

Ironically, Carew turned down the chance to join the Barbados national squad for two World Cup qualifying games against the USA in June in a bid to be fit for the start of this season after a previous injury.

 

Today is also decision day for 20-year-old summer signing Nicky Deverdics, who sees a consultant this afternoon about a possible hernia problem that might require an operation and sideline him for a month.

 

Deverdics, who did not train last week, was used as a substitute against Chesterfield for 18 minutes after discussions with the doctor.

 

Losing Deverdics will be a blow to Paul Fairclough after the build-up to the new season in which the former Gretna midfielder has played a major role.

 

"He's going to be one heck of a player for us", forecasts the manager.

 

Dennis Signy