Martin Allen says Barnet have a “couple” of injuries ahead of Southport’s visit to The Hive, where the Bees boss admits he is looking forward to returning after two long away trips.

Barnet play at The Hive for the first time since their New Year’s Day win over Aldershot Town on Saturday, with Southport – under the guidance of new boss Paul Carden for the first time – the visitors.

And speaking to the club’s website, Allen revealed he has some injury concerns ahead of the clash against the Sandgrounders, though it is unclear whether or not midfielder Curtis Weston is among them.

The former Leeds United midfielder suffered a blow to the head in the 3-1 defeat at Grimsby Town last Saturday and was withdrawn shortly before the break as a precautionary measure.

Speaking to the club’s website, Allen said: “It has been an excellent week. We have got a couple of injuries but apart from that we are fine.

“The players have trained really hard and everyone is looking forward to being back home in front of our own supporters.

“We have gotten rid of all of those Christmas games and all of that other palaver and now we start again and we are ready for the last part of our big season.

“There was a great atmosphere at our last game and there is a very exciting three months ahead of us.

“We are looking forward to it and all of us are excited by the prospect of a big, noisy crowd on Saturday.”

Player-coach Jon Nurse is still sidelined with a strain of his medial knee ligament.

Barnet have never lost at home to Southport in three meetings – winning two and drawing one – and earlier in the season picked up a 2-0 win on Merseyside against what was then Martin Foyle’s side.

You can get the lowdown on the Sandgrounders by reading our opposition profile.