FORMER Swindon Town midfielder Ian Herring is expected to join Cirencester Town’s play-off push this weekend.

Herring, a tough-tackling midfielder, is thought of as a like-for-like replacement for Jamie Reid who has torn his cruciate ligament and may be out for the season.

Last Friday, Town placed a seven-day approach for Herring – known in football circles as ‘Spud’ – and hope that the paperwork can be completed in time for the visit of mid-table Biggleswade Town to the Corinium Stadium on Saturday.

If completing the switch, 30-year-old Herring would be following the same route as Josh Parsons, who has proved such a hit in his opening three games for Cirencester after transferring from Hungerford Town.

On Saturday, Town completed their fourth success in a row to move within three points of second place in the Southern Premier with victory at Arlesey Town.

Herring will have noted that the league's top scorers also have a steely backbone, as they showed when coming from behind late on in deepest Hertfordshire.

After being released by Swindon Town, Herring played for Salisbury (twice) – including when they were in the Conference Premier – Chippenham (twice), Northwich Victoria, Forest Green Rovers and Eastleigh prior to joining Hungerford.

“I have known Spud for some time and have tried to sign him before,” said Cirencester Town manager Brian Hughes.

“When he was playing for Forest Green Rovers in the Conference, their boss at the time Dave Hockaday allowed Scott Bartlett, Wayne Turk and Spud to come and train with us occasionally in the Arena.”

In addition to Herring, team captain and centre back Leigh Henry should be in the matchday squad at the weekend after he received a positive result from a scan on the injured knee which has kept him sidelined for five games.

“The scan shows no damage just swelling, which is a great weight off Leigh’s mind, and he will be back involved on Saturday,” said Hughes.

The team will, however, be without striker Aidan Bennett who is due to serve a one-match ban, meaning that Cirencester will start with the potentially awesome three-pronged attack of Nat Jarvis, Ed Williams and Josh Parsons for the first time.

The trio came together only when Cirencester were a goal down with 10 minutes remaining at Arlesey on Saturday and finished the game 2-1 winners.