Barnet boss Martin Allen has backed match-winner Luke Gambin to shine following Luisma Villa's departure

The 22-year-old winger was used sparingly last season as Luisma and Lee Cook had the starting slots on either flank sewn up for the majority of the campaign.

However, Gambin still scored four times in as many Conference starts, making a further 22 appearances from the bench as an impact substitute.

But with Luisma and Cook leaving The Hive during the summer, the former AFC Wimbledon youngster has stepped up to make a claim for a regular place in Allen’s side now the Bees are back in the Football League.

Gambin came off the bench on Tuesday evening against Northampton Town to turn a drab draw into Barnet’s first win of the new season within minutes of his introduction.

Luke Gambin takes evasive action against Torquay United's Durrell Berry. Picture: Dave Peters

Reflecting on the youngster’s performance, Allen backed the impish winger to thrive in Luisma’s absence.

He said: “I suppose I have had to try to find a replacement for Luisma. When Luisma came to see me and told me he wanted to go back to Spain on the first day of pre-season it was a bit of a shock but I have tried looking everywhere.

“But to try to get someone of that technical ability to change a game, those players are hard to find.”

He continued: “Lukey has got to step up to the mark now and so he has done. Luke has got great ability and has probably been in the shadow of Luisma Villa because Luke has got that ability. Now we will get more out of him.”

“He can change games. He has been picked for the Maltese national squad for training. He is a fantastic player.

“It is not always suited at the moment for him to start the game but his confidence and self-belief are growing and we have got a good player there.”

You can read Martin Allen's thoughts on Barnet's 2-0 win over Northampton Town by clicking here.