Barnet boss Martin Allen described forward Shaun Batt like a box of chocolates, because you don’t know what you’re picking, after his second league start of the season.

With John Akinde ruled out with a tight hamstring Allen handed Batt – signed on a two-year deal from Leyton Orient in the summer – his first league start since defeat at Notts County in November.

It has been a long road for the 27-year-old who hasn’t reached double figures for league starts since 2010 and last completed 90 minutes in the league in December 2014.

However, he was Barnet’s biggest threat in Saturday’s goalless draw with Carlisle United and afterwards Allen heaped praise on the former Millwall attacker.

“Sometimes I don’t think he knows what he’s doing,” said the Bees boss. “I ain’t got a clue what he’s doing and nor do the defence. Anything can happen.

“He’s like a box of chocolates – you don’t know what you’re picking. He’s exciting, I know that.

“He’s worked really hard, deserved the chance to play and I’m really pleased I played him.

“Hopefully the supporters today have got a better idea of what he can do.

"I’m sure at time he makes them smile and I’m sure at times he makes them shake their head and say ‘Oh my God’.

“There will be other times when he’s going to win us games. So it’s great to have him back finally.”

The plan had been to give Batt 60 or 70 minutes but he completed the game – his second 90 minutes this week.

“He also played 90 minutes on Tuesday against Southend United (in a Development Team fixture) and he scored two goals,” said Allen.

“He terrorised my Gillingham team two or three seasons ago and scored a hat-trick by half time. I’ve seen what he can do.

“He has got some undoubted ability. At times he’s very frustrating but he’s not Mr Average. He’s certainly different.

“He’s played 90 minutes twice in two days so we’ll wrap him in cotton wool now until Thursday and then re-evaluate who is fit and who isn’t fit on Thursday for Stevenage.”