Ismail Yakubu, who missed his first game of the season at Morecambe after complaining about a back problem, is fit to resume central defensive duties against Torquay United at Underhill this evening.

The 24-year-old Yakubu has made 278 starts, plus 17 as a substitute, since his debut for the Bees as a 17-year-old. The only players ruled out against Torquay through injury are Nicky Deverdics (ankle) and Clovis Kamdjo, who is recovering from an operation in November on ligament and cartilage problems.

Ian Hendon describes tonight's game against opponents just below the Bees in the League 2 table as "massive". Barnet won 1-0 at Plainmoor in August with a goal from Albert Adomah.

Hendon said on the BBC 1 football show "Late Kick Off" last night that the Bees played well in the first half at Morecambe and had the chances to have gone in ahead at half time.

Film of Morecambe's winning goal upheld Barnet claims that Gary Breen was fouled and left on the ground in the build-up to Mark Duffy scoring.

Footnote: Peter Shreeves will be joining the Barnet coaching staff on Thursday.

Dennis Signy