THE absence of striker Joe Garner from this afternoon's game at Coventry City will be a huge blow to Scunthorpe United.

That's the view of manager Alan Knill, who must do without the 23-year-old as he serves a one-match suspension following a red card at Crystal Palace last week.

Garner endured a 16-game streak without a goal at Huddersfield Town in the first half of this season.

But he has netted six times in 15 starts during a more successful temporary stint at Glanford Park.

It is a goals haul which has provided United with a cutting edge up front that has been missing for much of the campaign.

"He will be a big miss for us," said Knill.

"I watched him at Blackburn Rovers as a kid and then again at Carlisle. Then he got his big move to Nottingham Forest.

"I wasn't too sure what he would be like when I first came in here to Scunthorpe, but he has been really, really good.

"His suspension is a blow to us but we have to get over it and move on.

"We have got a fair squad here so we have to make do.

"I am sure the players who have been waiting to play will take their opportunity.

"That's the whole point of having a squad.

"And those players who get their chance had better be ready to take it."