Lewes boss Tim O’Shea will put his faith in Ben Hunt following the departure of Lyle Taylor.

Bournemouth loanee Taylor has opted to return to the Cherries after a month at the Dripping Pan.

O’Shea wanted to extend his loan and Bournemouth boss Lee Bradbury agreed to the deal but the striker wants to fight for his place with the League One promotion hopefuls.

Hunt, who was recently signed from Dover, has made a positive impression on the Lewes boss in three appearances as a substitute and O’Shea believes he deserves a chance to start.

He said: “Lyle has decided to go back to Bournemouth and try to force his way into the first team.

“We only have two strikers at the club now, Ben Hunt and Gary Noel, although we have Ben Godfrey dual-signed with Whitehawk.

“Ben Hunt will start on Saturday. He has shown enough in three cameo appearances to warrant a start. He deserves his chance.”

Taylor scored twice in six appearances during his month with Lewes.

Joe Tabiri’s loan ends with tomorrow’s trip to Basingstoke, although O’Shea is talking with the player about remaining at the Dripping Pan.

He said: “We are keen for Joe to stay and negotiations are ongoing between the player and the two clubs.”

Anthony Barness is a doubt for tomorrow’s game as he has been ill this week while fellow full-back Lewis Hamilton is battling to shake off a slight hamstring strain.

However, O’Shea’s defensive options have been boosted by the return of Nathan Green after a short stay in Cyprus.

The versatile Green left Lewes a month ago after being offered a professional contract in Cyprus but the move has not worked out and he is now back at the Dripping Pan.

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