MARK Roberts believes there is enough quality in the Accrington Stanley squad to compensate for the loss of captain Peter Cavanagh.

The Reds skipper underwent a hernia operation on Wednesday and is expected to be out of action for about four weeks.

But while Cavanagh's injury leaves a significant hole at right-back, Stanley team-mate Roberts is confident that the influential captain won't be too sorely missed.

"Cav's our captain and it's a big loss because he's a major figure for us on and off the pitch," said the former Northwich Victoria defender. "We will obviously miss a player of his quality.

"But he's already had his operation and it was simple surgery, so he could be back before Christmas.

"But in any case, it's a chance for someone else to take that opportunity in the next three or four games.

"There's some good players waiting for that chance, when there's an injury or suspension.

"We have got a very strong squad, and there's been times when players have not been getting on our bench when they would get in most other teams.

"That level of competition for places is a great thing to have and it's something the manager always talks about."

Roberts, one of several new faces that joined the Reds this summer, believes the likes of Cavanagh and fellow long-serving Stanley duo Paul Mullin and Robbie Williams are part of the reason for the club's success this season.

The 24-year-old said: "They have been around for a while and they know the club better than anyone."