PAUL Carden admits losing ever-present skipper Jay McCarten to injury is “a big blow” to his Warrington Town side.

Centre-half McCarten looks set to be missing for around three weeks with an ankle injury, thus ruling him out of Saturday’s FA Trophy trip to National League South side Wealdstone.

Jack Higgins will deputise and partner Liam Goulding in defence at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday as Yellows look to equal their furthest run in the competition by reaching the quarter-finals.

Carden says Saturday’s game represents a chance for Higgins, whose Yellows career has been hindered by injuries and suspensions, to show people what he’s capable of.

“Jay is going to be a big blow, not only because he’s our captain but because of how well he’s played this season,” he said.

“He’s an influence when he plays and we’ll feel his absence.

“Hopefully, Jack can come in, hit the ground running and show what he’s about.

“It’s an opportunity for him not just to fill the gap but cement a place in the team for himself.

“Sometimes things happen and they end up being a series of events. Jack’s had red cards, injuries, a couple of mistakes and nobody has seen the best of him yet.

“He had a run of eight or nine games where you could see what he’s about.

“He was strong, aggressive in the air and a leader because of how well he understands the game.

“Hopefully he can show people in the second half of the season what he can do.”