COUNTY skipper Michael Raynes has left Edgeley Park for Scunthorpe United in a last-minute deadline day deal.

The 22-year-old moved to Glanford Park on a two-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee yesterday, moments before the 5pm deadline.

But Hatters boss Gary Ablett moved quickly to replace his captain with the addition of Leeds' United's Paul Huntington, who spent two months on loan at Edgeley Park earlier in the season.

Huntington's contract at Elland Road was terminated on Monday, allowing the former Newcastle United defender to sign until the end of the season.

Ablett has brought in eight new players during the January transfer window, while five have headed for the exit.

And despite the overhaul of his first-team squad, Ablett insists he is pleased with the players at his disposal ahead of tonight's derby clash with Oldham Athletic at Edgeley Park.
Boost

“I'm happy with the squad. All the lads we've brought in have given everyone a massive boost,” he said.

“The atmosphere and spirit around the training ground is very positive - as positive as it can be in the circumstances.

“We've got to focus on the game with Oldham now and start picking up points. We did enough to win the games against Swindon, Carlisle and Brighton but we didn't, and we need to start capitalising on good performances.”

Ablett could be without full-back Johnny Mullins for the visit of Oldham after he missed the 2-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday with a knee injury.

Huntington should replace the departed Raynes in the centre of defence.

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