Ian Hendon, who apologised to the 320 travelling Barnet supporters for a poor performance by his team in a 4-0 Boxing Day defeat away to Aldershot Town, had one piece of good news to offer afterwards ... inspirational Gary Breen could be back for the next away game against Shrewsbury Town on January 9.

The former Republic of Ireland World Cup central defender, who celebrated his 36th birthday on December 12, has been sidelined since the win against Darlington on November 7 with a partial torn medial ligament.

Hendon said: "We have missed him and young Clovis Kamdjo ... both are leaders and organise the back four".

Kamdjo replaced the injured Breen - then, after the next match against Hereford United, the 18-year-old former Reading youth team captain and Cameroon U17 international defender needed surgery after damaging medial collateral ligaments and cartilage in a block tackle.

Breen, a steadying influence alongside his younger central defensive partners, has been restricted to seven games this season by injury. The confident Kamdjo, too, has played only seven games and made two substitute appearances.

There is no doubt that the absence at the same time of four defenders - both right backs, Joe Devera and Ryan O'Neill, were also sidelined - has been a contributory factor to the Bees' dismal run, although there have been problems in midfield and up front too.

Hendon said at the training ground today of the second half collapse against Aldershot: "We were not good enough. I can only apologise to the fans who travelled for that performance".

In the absence of the rested Micah Hyde, Northern Ireland international Mark Hughes wore the captain's armband and Joe Tabiri, back from a successful loan period with Havant & Waterlooville, did well in midfield. Striker Jake Hyde missed out with a hamstring injury.

Plymouth Argyle winger Yannick Bolasie, Exeter City striker Craig McAllister and Charlton Athletic midfielder Dean Sinclair come to the end of their loan periods after tomorrow's home game against Northampton Town. Decisions will then be made.

Dennis Signy