BRAINTREE TOWN have been rocked by an injury blow to Sam Habergham.

The reliable left-back has been ruled out for around three weeks with ankle ligament damage.

He suffered the injury during the first half of last weekend’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round triumph at Weymouth.

And in addition to definitely missing today’s trip to struggling Tamworth, he also stands to miss the Iron’s FA Cup first-round proper tie against League Two outfit Newport County, along with Skrill Premier games against Luton Town and Alfreton Town.

Newman Carney is standing by to step into their starting line-up this weekend.

The 19-year-old was signed in August from Dunstable Town, having previously played at Luton Town.

Despite Tamworth’s lowly position Braintree boss Alan Devonshire is expecting a testing afternoon at the Lamb Ground.

The Lambs have won only four league games this season but have recently signed Nottingham Forest youngster David Morgan on a youth loan, along with Stoke City centre-back Jordan Keane.

“Tamworth had a good win in the FA Cup last weekend and they’ve recently signed some new players,” he said.

“It’ll be a tough game, but we’re enjoying things at the moment.

“We’ve won four games away from home this season and that’s important.”

Meanwhile, Devonshire has praised striker Sean Marks.

The ex-Heybridge Swifts striker has made a big contribution in recent weeks.

Braintree’s second leading goal-scorer this season was on target again last weekend and has hit the net four times this season.

“He’s a big player for us,” said Devonshire.

“There are three or four players like that in our squad.

“It’s good for the team and it’s great to have him.”