Barnet head coach Martin Allen has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from for Saturday’s visit from Grimsby Town, though John Akinde misses out with suspension.

Only Jon Nurse is only player expected to miss out through injury. The 33-year-old player-coach has been sidelined since December with a medial ligament strain but is nearing a return and it is anticipated he will to return to training next week.

Twenty-six-goal-top-scorer Akinde will miss the Mariner’s visit after earning a section caution in Saturday’s defeat at Wrexham.

Allen said: “Michael Gash will come in for him (Akinde). That is what I have brought him in for. He has come on as a sub and done really well and he really is much fitter now.

“People question his attitude but I can say it has been spot on. Michael Gash will definitely be playing on Saturday.”

If Gash does start for the Bees, it will be his full debut after making three substitute appearances.

Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst looks set be without striker Ollie Palmer – who scored in Town’s 3-1 win at Blundell Park – but is optimistic Scott Brown and Jon-Paul Pittman will be fit.

He told the Grimsby Telegraph: “Browny and JP trained this morning, but due to the weather and how bad the pitches are, we didn't do as much as we would have done had it been better conditions.

"Both came through okay and we'll check on them again this morning, however, the one that still looks as though he's struggling is Ollie Palmer.”

Grimsby are fourth, 12 points behind the Bees but with a game in hand. Allen’s side were well-beaten at Blundell Park last month despite taking an early lead through an Akinde penalty.

The Bees have only beaten Town three times in 13 league meetings but have won their last two home clashes with the Cleethorpes side.