Glynn's battle

Hurst picked up a two game suspension after being sent off for foul and abusive language when trying to appeal for treatment to be given to team-mate Shane McFaul during the 1-0 defeat at Bury.

The Magpies have subsequently coped extremely well with the loss of their 10-goal frontman, though, picking up a 2-1 win over Cambridge and, last Saturday, an excellent 1-1 draw at League One Swindon in the FA Cup.

Hurst's replacement in the line-up, Matty Williams, scored his first goal for the club during the win over Cambridge and produced a hard-working display during Saturday's cup tie.

And the former Chesterfield striker admits that if he was in his club-mate's shoes, he would feel a little aggreved to be replaced in the starting line-up this evening.

"I am not taking anything for granted," he told the NEP. "I know I am in the squad, but if I was in Gavin Gordon or Matty Williams' shoes, I would feel a little hard done by to be left out.

"They have won one game and got a good draw in the other while I have been out, it would be wrong to presume I was going to walk back into the side.

"I was suspended and it is up to me to earn my place back in there.

"Maybe I will get an opportunity with Gavin (Gordon) being suspended next weekend, we will have to see. I know I am in the squad tonight, but I can have no complaints if I am on the bench."

Hurst, however, has began to make amends for his sending off at Bury by sending a Notts shirt, signed by all the players, to the local hospital where team-mate McFaul was treated for his injury sustained in the game.

"I was standing up for a team-mate, I was only concerned for Shane. But I should not have lost it like I did, I should have kept cool. And I wanted to do something to make amends.

"The hospital where Shane was treated are fighting to keep their children's ward open, so the shirt will go to them.

"If it means just one extra child can receive treatment, then it is worthwhile."