Avenue boss John Deacey has sent former Middlesbrough and Cardiff City striker Andy Campbell out on loan but insists he remains part of the plans at Horsfall and will return at a later date.

“I have let him go to Whitby Town for a while, a month initially, but there is absolutely no chance of that becoming a permanent transfer,” insisted Deacey.

“The problem is that he has missed so much football over the past six months or so. He missed the back end of last season and then all of pre-season because of two totally different injuries.

“I’ve been delighted with him, his work rate in training, his overall attitude and his contribution. He has come on from the bench in several games and done very well and last Saturday was one of those. You can’t let class like that go, no way.”

The short-term move means Campbell will not be available for Saturday’s UniBond League clash with Retford United. There may be a couple of newcomers in contention though as Deacey works hard behind the scenes to bolster his squad.

The Avenue manager will still be without versatile defender Chris Stabb and he also knows his team face a stern test. However, Avenue’s form is so good at the moment that the visitors, who are second in the Premier Division table, will definitely be aware of their seventh-placed hosts.

Deacey, whose side have won their last three league fixtures, said: “We are taking things steady, game by game. Retford came up last season and have shown what a good side they are. They are also strong physically, as well as playing good football.

“Stabby is back in training but he won’t be ready for a return to the squad. Maybe that will come the following Saturday. Chris Hall’s ankle injury has had a little rest because we have had no midweek game.

“Chris was almost fit last week when he came off the bench late on and got two goals against Durham City. He is in even better shape now as he had treatment on Monday but trained with the rest of the players on Wednesday.”