Jack Iredale is hoping for a happy return to the Abbey Stadium at the second attempt.

The defender, who spent a couple of seasons at Cambridge before heading to the North West, was on the bench when the initial fixture fell victim to the conditions earlier this month.

“There was a bit of disbelief at the time,” Iredale reflected. “Looking ahead, we saw that free Tuesday where we were going to get a bit of time on the training pitch and it has now been filled.

“There is nothing we can do about it, we have got to get back down there and do the job like we were going to do last time. Nothing changes, it is all part and parcel of the game.”

He added: “It was nice to go back and see some familiar faces. I think a lot of the people who I was there with are no longer there but the ones I did spent time with, it was really nice to catch up with them.

“Hopefully, the sun is out this time and we can get through the game! I am looking forward to it.”

Ian Evatt has had to make changes to his backline in recent weeks, with skipper Ricardo Santos among those out injured, but Wanderers will hopefully be ready to welcome back to cavalry soon.

“They are going to give us a massive lift, the quality of players that we are missing,” said Iredale.

“But at the same time, we have such a deep squad that everyone who comes in has the opportunity to keep the shirt.

“When you have got injuries in the squad, you are missing players but it gives me, for example, an opportunity to get myself in the team and prove why I should be staying there.”

Caleb Taylor was a new addition to the defence in January, joining on loan from Championship outfit West Brom.

“He has got some really good qualities, we have already seen some of those,” Iredale explained.

“Obviously, it is the same with all the new boys - our job in the changing room is to help them settle in as quickly as possible. The quicker they settle and get to show what they can do, the better for everyone.

“I think Caleb has settled in pretty well. He knows Zac (Ashworth) so that is a familiar face for him straight away. He is part of the group now.”

There is plenty of competition for places at Wanderers when everyone is fit, and Iredale believes it is a good problem to have as they battle for promotion.

The 27-year-old is determined to make the most of any opportunities that come his way as he bids to nail down a place in the side.

“The strength we have got as a squad, it means that everyone has got to be playing well to make sure you get selected,” he said. “That is only going to be a good thing for us.”