Head coach Martin Allen felt Michael Gash’s insistence on playing against Wycombe Wanderers after receiving stitches following Tuesday’s League Cup win over Millwall typified the spirit of the group.

The powerful striker required lengthy treatment during extra time of the Bees’ 2-1 win at the Den on Tuesday evening after a clash of heads.

But Gash, 28, returned to the field with his head bandaged and after the game had the wound stitched by the Lions’ club doctor.

He had been a doubt for Saturday’s 2-0 loss at home to Wanderers but came off the bench just before the hour and had the Bees’ best chance with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

Speaking after the game, Allen heaped praise on the former Cambridge United forward after he pushed to be part of the squad.

He said: “It was a gamble to put him on. I was not even 100 per cent sure about putting him as a sub because he has eight stitches in the cut on the side of his head.

“I was not sure about him and he did not train on Friday.

“When I got here he said he was fine to be sub and Michael has been a tremendous player for us,” continued Allen.

“He was a free transfer from Kidderminster Harriers and he typifies the spirit that took us to the Conference title and there is no doubt goals will come his way.

“That is the spirit we have got that we have got someone who can come out and play four days after having eight stitches.”

Allen was also questioned about the fitness of another striker, Kevin Lisbie, who has been delayed in making his debut for Barnet after picking up a hamstring problem in the Bees' final pre-season friendly at Eastleigh.

“Kev is coming on slowly,” said Allen. “With those injuries you have got to make sure they are right.

“Kev is a good player and of course we are going to miss. We need players like Kevin Lisbie when you have got a young team and he will certainly help everybody when he is fit.”