Shaun Batt missed Barnet’s win over Stevenage on Saturday with a groin strain and will be held back until he is fully fit after missing much of pre-season, Martin Allen has confirmed.

The 28-year-old has made just three substitute appearances in League Two since joining the Bees on a two-year contract from Leyton Orient in the summer.

His only starts have come against Yeovil Town in the Football League Trophy and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup and in both games he lasted less than an hour.

Head coach Allen admitted he knew the versatile forward had suffered with injuries during a two-year stay at Brisbane Road which restricted him to just 12 league starts.

But he is adamant the 28-year-old can still be an asset, once is he fit enough to hold down a regular first team place.

“Shaun Batt has got a slight strain,” said Allen following victory over Stevenage.

“More to the point we want some strength and conditioning work into him for a few weeks. He missed most of pre-season so before he can join in with our team and how we play he needs more work.

“I think he is into his second week now of hard work behind the scenes. He understands why I want him to do that.

“Other people might be panicking but I’m not. We’ve got him for a long time so we can’t just be short sighted.

"We have got to look long term to get him fit and get him right because he can turn games and win games.”