Last Updated: Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:32
Leam Richardson insists long-term injury victim Ian Dunbavin still has a role to play in Accrington's season.
Stanley goalkeeper Dunbavin, 32, is expected to miss the rest of the campaign having undergone shoulder surgery last week.
Although manager Richardson admits the player's presence will be a big loss on the pitch, he feels the former Liverpool trainee can still be a positive influence around the dressing room.
"It's a long road back for him and I feel for the lad," Richardson told Press Association Sport. "He's had a really good start to the season, probably the best start to any season since he's been a professional.
"In that aspect it's a bit disheartening for the lad, but you've got to move on quickly and Ian was one of the first people to say that.
"He's a good character in and around the dressing room so he can still be effective in that way.
"Although he'll be a miss he'll still be around and it will help him on his long road to recovery."
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