Barnet boss Martin Allen believes striker Kevin Lisbie can go some way to filling the void left by Luisma Villa when he is fit to return.

The 36-year-old striker joined the Bees from Leyton Orient in the summer but is yet to make his competitive debut after injuring his hamstring in pre-season.

He rejoined training last Friday but his return to action cannot come soon enough for Allen, who insists the former Charlton Athletic man can succeed in Luisma's role as creator-in-chief at The Hive.

The Spaniard scored 13 times in 33 league outings last season as Allen’s men won the Conference title for a record third time.

But after initially committing himself to the Bees for a third season over the summer, the former Racing Santander playmaker instead returned to Spain this summer to join Arenas Club.

"I think it’s impossible to say how much we’ve actually missed him (Kevin Lisbie) because we can’t say he would have scored the opportunities we’ve had," said Allen.

"It’s not only that. He is influential, he is a calming character and he’s got skill and qualities we’re just a little bit short of through the middle of the pitch and he will bring those.

"I don’t know how many times people asked me: ‘Why haven’t you signed a new Luisma?’ Well Kevin will bring some of those skills he’s got into the starting XI.

"I’m sure we’re all looking forward to getting him back and getting back the goalkeeper voted number one in the Conference (Graham Stack) back and getting that team onto the pitch."