“I can’t speak highly enough of Brett as a bloke and as a lad,” Billy Rowley said ahead of Saturday’s National League clash with Altrincham.

Billy Rowley has confirmed Brett McGavin will become Yeovil Town’s permanent captain ahead of Saturday’s National League clash with Altrincham.

McGavin steps into the role following the departure of Luke McCormick, with Rowley praising the midfielder’s professionalism, ability and leadership qualities.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Brett as a bloke and as a lad,” Rowley said.

“He’s a top professional, he’s one of the most technically gifted players I’ve ever seen really. He’s tactically really astute.”

Rowley also explained how the players around McGavin have helped bring the best out of him this season.

“I wouldn’t say shocked me because I’ve seen how good he is for the last 11 months, but putting other profiles of players that maybe suit his style a little bit more has brought him up a level,” he said.

Yeovil welcome fellow play-off hopefuls Altrincham to Huish Park after both sides came through high-scoring FA Cup replays in midweek. The Glovers beat Leatherhead 5-2, while Altrincham won 6-2.

Rowley expects a difficult test against an opponent who have won four of their last five league games.

“They’re really exciting to watch, they play a good style of football, and it should be a good test,” he said.

“ We’ve got to go into the game expecting to win, especially at home, but be really mindful that they are a top team.”

The weather could also play a part, with Storm Austen forecast to bring gusts of 40 to 50mph. Rowley stressed the importance of adapting to the conditions rather than sticking rigidly to the game plan.

“For us to be successful, we’re going to have to be good in all weathers, good in all conditions, and good on all pitches,” he said.

“You’ve got to be really good at adapting on the spot, and the players need to be given some freedom.”

There was more positive news on the injury front, with James Daly back in full training after suffering an ankle scare during the warm-up ahead of Tuesday’s replay.

“He injured his ankle in the last kick of the warm-up on Tuesday night,” Rowley explained. “We rested him at half-time, it was swollen up a little bit, but he’s training fully today, which is great news.”

Rowley also suggested Zain Westbrooke could return to contention, with no other players currently expected to be on the treatment table.

Yeovil are unbeaten in six league games and sit fourth in the table ahead of the visit of sixth-placed Altrincham. The Glovers completed the double over their opponents last season, winning both meetings 1-0.

However, Rowley insisted his side must remain focused on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead.

“My job along with the staff here and the players is to keep our feet on the ground and not look too far ahead,” he said.