HUDDERSFIELD Town boss Lee Grant has told supporters not to expect a direct replacement for Leo Castledine to arrive this month - with the League One club reeling from a significant blow which saw the attacking midfielder recalled by parent club Chelsea ahead of a full-time move to Championship outfit Middlesbrough late last week.

Castledine comprehensively proved himself to be Town's star turn in the first half of the campaign, but the club were acutely aware of a recall clause in the 20-year-old's season-long loan which was able to be invoked by Chelsea in January.

That worst-case scenario has unfortunately transpired.

On prospects of Town bringing in a replacement, Grant, whose side host Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United in the EFL Trophy last-16 tie on Tuesday night, said: "I think it's going to be difficult for us to replace Leo, that's for sure.

Lee Grant, Manager of Huddersfield Town. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images.

placeholder image — Lee Grant, Manager of Huddersfield Town. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images.

"Leo worked hard and we worked really hard with Leo to get him into a position where we felt as though he could contribute significantly and he was doing that.

"We found the right slot for him and he was really consistent with his level. So, yes that's a blow. That's tough to take for all of us.

"We also feel as though we've got one or two that are ready to step up. So, of course, they have to do that and we want to help them to do that. So that'll be the goal.

"Of course, if we have an opportunity to find another Leo Castledine, I think nobody's going to turn their nose up at that. But, as I said, I think that's going to be very, very difficult in this window."

Huddersfield Town's Alfie May. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

Town are assessing Alfie May after he missed the weekend loss at Stockport County after citing an injury issue.

Gtant continued: "Alfie was a disappointing one, I think, for all of us concerned.

"We selected Alfie to play at the weekend. He didn't feel as though he was able to do that.

"So, yes, we have to see if he makes the cut for Tuesday. My hope is that it settles quickly and we can have him back around it.

"It seemed like one that came out of nowhere, if I'm being really honest.

"He started training on (last) Wednesday and didn't manage to finish training. But I don't see it being one that keeps him out for very long. So, we'll see.

"Hopefully, he's available tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Grant has reported positive progress regarding Herbie Kane, who has been sidelined with a groin injury since mid-September.

He said: "Herbie's doing really well. It was nice to see Herbie in some bigger pictures today with the group.

"He actually managed to, for the first time, be on the grass with the lads in what you would call a sort of attacking phase scenario.

"So, that was really nice. It was unopposed, obviously, so he's not crashing into tackles yet and hitting diagonals over 90 yards.

"But what he is doing is the things that Herbie does really well, which is moving and lending the ball and being really active and showing good quality in possession. It's a real positive step for Herbie.

"You'd like to think in another fortnight, he's in a really, really strong position. So, that's real positive news."