Saturday’s game at Alfreton is the start of a busy period which will see us potentially play 11 National League North games before Christmas – plus an additional FA Trophy game and a West Riding County Cup tie at Tadcaster Albion!

Defensively the Celts have been hit by long-term injuries to both Jack Leckie and Lewis Turner, as well as a number of other players picking up knocks and injuries. We’ve also been hit by suspensions to players including striker Darren Stephenson, who returns to the squad on Saturday having last played against Banbury over a month ago.

The Celts have recruited well in the loan market during the past week, bringing in attacking midfielder Theo Chapman and central defender Nathan James from Barnsley, defender Connor O’Brien from Accrington Stanley and striker Dylan Youmbi from Bradford City. We also re-signed goalkeeper Michael Acquah from Huddersfield Town.

In recent weeks we’ve also seen some of our talented Emerging Talented Squad making the first team squad, with three of them making their debuts.

Farsley Celtic director of football Pav Singh said the new loan signings and bringing through the ETS lads was always part of the club’s renewed focus on young talent – and is confident about our strength in depth as the games come thick and fast.

He said: “The reason behind the recruitment was not only to evolve the squad and give it depth but also cover ourselves with suspensions and injuries during what we see a busy schedule for the players and management.

“We are trying to be pro-active and cover our bases and I have great confidence in the players we are bringing in.”

Look out for our preview of the Alfreton Town away game with head coach Clayton Donaldson tomorrow.