ALAN Connell has vowed to "grab the chance with both hands" as he prepares to step in for the injured James Hayter.

Hayter, who is the club's top scorer with 14 goals this season, was stretchered off with a knee injury in the 1-1 FA Cup first round tie at Forest Green Rovers last weekend (November 13).

A scan has since revealed a partial tear in the medial ligament which will keep him out of action for at least the next fortnight.

But Hayter's untimely misfortune opens the door for Connell who has been earmarked by boss Sean O'Driscoll to come into the side for the visit of Chesterfield in Coca-Cola League One tomorrow (Fitness First Stadium, 3pm kick-off.)

Connell told the Daily Echo: "There is a space open, someone has to fill it and I'd like to think that the manager might pick me.

"I am more than ready - I am chomping at the bit to get back in the side. I am feeling good about myself, I have been training hard and feel sharp.

"I was pleased to get a decent run-out in the game last weekend, even though it was at the expense of Hayts, but I am ready to grab any chance that comes my way with both hands."

Although losing the prolific Hayter is a considerable blow, few would begrudge the popular 21-year-old his chance.

The Enfield-born striker burst onto the scene two years ago with seven goals in eight games before he suffered a cruciate ligament knee injury at Leyton Orient in October 2002.

His ensuing recovery has been hit by a series of setbacks but despite one minor niggle which kept him out at Brentford in September, Connell believes he has now put a soul-destroying run of injuries firmly behind him.

He said: "Everyone knows the injury problems I've had. But this time, it might have worked out in my favour that someone else has got injured and I may get a chance.

"Touch wood, I feel very good and hope that all the injuries are behind me now.

"Things are going in the right direction for me and now I want to be able to prove that to people and show them that I am a good player."

Although the ex-Ipswich trainee has sympathy for Hayter, Connell insists that the side can cope without him.

He said: "It is unfortunate that James has got an injury. He has been doing extremely well and brings a lot to the side other than just his goals.

"But there is nothing you can do about it, we just have to make sure we cope without him. We have had other big players injured for us in the past and we have filled the gaps and coped without them well and we need to do that again."

Connell, whose only goal of the season so far was the winner over Wrexham in August, has had to bide his time this term having made just one start in the defeat at Luton. He has been frequently used as a late substitute - something which he admits has been difficult at times.

He said: "It is not ideal getting on for the last five or 10 minutes. You try to keep yourself ticking over by a doing a bit of extra work on the training ground but it is never easy and can weigh on your mind a little bit.

"But I am no different to everyone else in the squad - we all want to play.

"I have spoken to Sean a couple of times and he has been very honest with me. He told me we have a small squad, he knows I can play in this team and we are all in it together. I totally agree with him."

He added: "Knocks and injuries are inevitable during the season. These days you need a good 18-20 players rather than just 11 and I feel we have got that here.

"There is strength in depth, if not in numbers, and whoever comes in will do a very good job and find it easier because of the way the side are playing at the moment."