Gary Setchell looks set to pull his young guns out of the fire as King's Lynn Town welcome back some defensive reinforcements.

The Linnets have been forced to field a patched-up back four for their last three matches following injuries to key men Sam Gaughran, Kern Miller and Jordan Yong. With two of those in line to return for this afternoon's home Southern League Premier Division clash against Slough Town, Setchell admits some of his bright prospects may be handed a well-needed rest.

Setchell said: 'Gaughs did the full warm up on Tuesday. I think we missed his voice out there on the pitch if I'm being honest.

'Kern is getting closer, as is Conor. Jordan Yong will probably be fit so we'll welcome these players back as it's going to be a tough game.

'The lads that have come in have done fantastic and I've got no problems throwing them in anywhere. When you get your key players and your recognised left-back (Yong) available you have to play them. All of the lads will be playing again on Tuesday (League Cup, Histon at home) and some of them, like Birdy (Simon Bird), will probably have to play today.'

Bird, Matty Castellan, first-team regular Ryan Fryatt and his younger brother Liam have – at an average of just under 21 – helped Lynn record two victories in their last three matches. The latest triumph came during Tuesday night's FA Trophy first qualifying round replay at The Walks against Belper Town.

'It was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests,' said Setchell on the 5-1 success.

'I felt we were very good for the first 20 minutes but the number nine (Evan Garnett) caused us problems and we looked a little bit fragile at the back. We are missing a lot of experience and people forget that. Yes, these lads have come in and done well for a game or two but it's hard to play three games in a week at this level when you've not played anything like this level before.'

Teenage striker Toby Hilliard may have to wait for his chance to feature despite a two-goal cameo off the bench in midweek.

Setchell added: 'He came on and after three minutes he won a corner, got their lad booked and fell over twice. He then miskicked one that went in and then did a bit of skill like Ronaldo and bent it in the bottom corner with his weak (left) foot like a million pound player.

'You just don't know you're going to get. But what he has got is bags of enthusiasm, a heart as big as a lion and pace to burn. We've used him as a centre-forward but late on in games wider areas could be his forte.'