JACK Alexander is touch and go for AFC Totton’s mid-table clash at Marlow on Saturday in the Southern One South & West.

The former Bristol City and Eastleigh youngster is due to see club physio Dave Penny again tonight after jarring his knee in the weekend’s 0-0 stalemate at Bishop’s Cleeve.

The mere fact that manager Steve Hollick says his absence would come as “a big blow” shows the impact the 19-year-old central midfielder has had since joining the Stags, initially on loan, from Eastleigh in October.

“Jack’s one of those players who gets fitter and stronger as the game goes on, which is an amazing trait to have for such a young lad,” said the boss.

“He’s got that consistency that we look for and he doesn’t look out of place in the Southern League.

“Jack’s quite a quiet lad, but he’s really coming out of his shell in the dressing room.

“He and (young midfielder) Jake Burgess are the same sort of age and, potentially, they could be awesome for us going forward with Neil Williams in there to add a bit of experience.”

Ironically, after all the concern about boggy pitches over the winter, Alexander’s injury came on a hard, bumpy surface at Bishop’s Cleeve.

“The ball bobbled just as Jack was taking a touch and he caught his knee as he stretched,” said Hollick. "Jake Burgess came on for Jack and one of the best things about Jake is his ability to keep the ball, but even he struggled on that surface and he's one of the best footballers we've got.

“It’ll be a big blow if Jack doesn’t make it for Saturday. He travels quite a way to get to us from Wantage and doesn’t miss training or games. Having a good, young player like him is a credit to the way the club is going.”

Totton, who host Wimborne Town on Monday (3pm), welcome two key men back for the Easter programme.

Left-back Marc Diaper returns from family/work commitments and wing wizard Mike Gosney has completed a two-match ban for ten bookings.

In Gosney’s absence versatile frontman Mark Lilley has done a sterling job stationed left midfield. “Mark had a bad groin injury at the start of the season but, since coming back, he’s been exceptional with his attitude,” said Hollick.