ANDY KING is running the rule over Finland defender Mathias Lindstrom as he prepares to bid farewell to Jerel Ifil.

The Watford man plays his final game for Town today and the County Ground boss is already thinking about life after 'the Beast'.

Lindstrom is a former Finland Under 21 international, who has an option with a club back in his home country but is keen to make a career for himself in England.

King said: "He's done well in training. I am losing Jerel and am aware that I might need to find a replacement.

"I have to look to the future and I am always looking to improve.

"He's done well in training, I've invited him back for an extra week.

King said the player's future will be discussed next week.

It is a Scotsman that the Town boss will turn to today in order to plug a gap at the back.

David Duke was expected to line-up in place of the suspended Andy Gurney against fellow play-off chasers Colchester United.

Being naturally right-footed, Duke has no problem filling such a role, despite most of his senior appearances having come down the left flank.

The switch to a flat back four saw Duke drop out of the side and he has not started a match since the 3-2 defeat by Plymouth Argyle on December 13.

If he does get the nod today, Duke will relish the fresh challenge.

He said: "I'll feel quite comfortable on the right side, in fact more comfortable than on the left.

"If the manager decides to play me in that role, I'd hopefully have two matches to impress before Gurns' is available again.

"You just hope you'll do enough in that time to leave the manager with a decision to make when he has everyone available again."

No-one likes being out of the team but Duke admits it is easier to cope when results are going well.

He said: "We are on a decent run and young Andy Andy Nicholas has come in and done very well. All credit to him."

Matt Heywood could return at the expense of Alan Reeves today while Stefani Miglioranzi's groin injury means another midfield start for Steve Robinson.

However, Robinson's return to action is set to be a brief one.

The former Birmingham City man thought his suspension worries were over, having served the one-match ban handed out after his red card against Plymouth.

However, the midfielder expressed his verbal 'displeasure' to the referee involved as he headed for an early bath and as a result, a further two-match ban has arrived.

He will now miss the home clash with Rushden on February 7 and the trip to Stockport a week later.