Manager Alan Knill believes the return to action of Andy Barcham is a welcome boost to Scunthorpe United.

The former Gillingham winger is likely to be thrust straight back into the starting line-up at Stevenage on Saturday after completing a three-match suspension.

Barcham has not played since being shown the first red card of his career during the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on September 10.

United appealed the decision, but the ban was upheld by the Football Association.

"Barch is chomping at the bit to get back and we need him," said Knill.

"When you look at the bench we had last Saturday, I've got three defenders, a goalkeeper and a striker.

"We're struggling really, so the sooner we get the players back the more competition we'll have.

"We need more of a threat on there."

Scunthorpe are waiting to see whether fellow wide man Mark Duffy will be available for the Iron's first-ever trip to the Lamex Stadium.

He picked up a knee injury in training last and was initially expected to be absent for a fortnight.

"There was no-one near him, he just went to check and turned his knee," said Knill of the former Morecambe man.

"We've been told he'll be out two weeks, but we'll wait and see.

"That's disappointing, because he was excellent away at Walsall the other week.

"But last weekend it gave a chance to Garry Thompson to come in and play and I thought he did quite well.

"Obviously it's going to take him a little while to understand about the movement and everything else, but I thought his effort and commitment was good.

"What he gives you is a threat at the far post and he caused Yeovil a lot of problems."