MATTY Holmes heralded Wimborne Town ace Louis Kellaway as a "brilliant servant" ahead of his final game before jetting to Australia.

A return to Magpies for the midfielder is up in the air as he has booked a one-way trip.

Kellaway, a product of the club's youth system, is in contention to start against Hartley Wintney at Cuthbury on Saturday (3pm).

On the departure of the 21-year-old, Matty Holmes told the Daily Echo: "Louis has been an absolutely brilliant servant for the club. We are very sad and he will be sorely missed.

"He thoroughly deserves the plaudits he gets and I hope he finishes with a really positive performance on Saturday.

"I hope the supporters stay behind to give him recognition because since I have taken over as manager he has been absolutely brilliant.

"His attitude in training is the same as when he plays. He always gives 100 per cent. I think he has really improved technically and his energy around the pitch is incredible.

"He is a real character and a Mr Wimborne-type, like Scott Arnold.

"I have told him we will, hopefully, see him next pre-season if I am still around. I think he wants to come back but it is a one-way ticket so will see how he gets on."

Wimborne are without a recognised striker for the clash with Hartley Wintney after Toby Holmes was sent off in the FA Trophy defeat at Basingstoke last weekend.

Matty Holmes was forced to name two members of his coaching staff – Danny Holmes and Shane Traynor – on the bench for the trip to the Camrose.

The boss said he could field a youthful bench as he is now without seven players through injury and suspension.

"Toby's suspended so it is going to be difficult for us but we have to work round it," said Holmes.

"When you have one of the top strikers from last season and he is scoring goals this season, it is very difficult to replace. "You are going to get spells in the season when you get injuries or suspensions and we have got to try to deal with it.

"You have to give young players time and it is an ideal opportunity now given the situation we are in.

"They have all got ability. It is very tough to put them into men's football but we have to do it. We can't hold a squad of 20 players, like some other clubs, and give them all really good money.

"It is a nice time when the youth are being looked at for this level, which is a top level."

Sam Davidson will serve the last of his three-match ban and will be available for the match at Taunton a week on Saturday.

Magpies: (from) Benfield, Lee, Kellaway, Arnold, Oldring, Clarke, Stokoe, L Holmes, Burbidge, Penny, Owen, Collins, Young, D Holmes, Traynor, Hall, McWilliams, Okumu.