WANDERERS boss Gareth Ainsworth hopes top scorer Matt McClure recovers from a dead leg in time to face Exeter City tomorrow after singing the striker’s praises for his winning goal on Saturday.

A clinical strike from the 21-year-old ensured a return to winning ways for Wycombe as McClure’s early goal was enough for all three points from their weekend trip to Plymouth Argyle.

It keeps up McClure’s ratio of scoring more than a goal every other game, but the Northern Ireland U21 international failed to last the full 90 minutes at Home Park as a dead leg forced him off.

After the game Ainsworth was glowing in his praise for the striker, saying he was being repaid for the faith he had shown in the youngster.

The Blues boss said: “Hopefully I’ll have a big say in Matt McClure’s career. He’ll be a big player. He’s a natural born finisher and there’s not many about.

“Ever since I came to Wycombe two and a half years ago I’ve looked at Matt and thought, ‘that kid can finish’. He’s one of the best finishers at the club and he’s proven that week in, week out.

“I’ve always believed in Matt. He’ll get his name in the papers and the headlines but he’ll be the first to thank the rest of the lads for making his goal the winning goal.”

Referring to his injury, Ainsworth said: “He had a dead leg from a corner – it’s not another hamstring.

“He slipped and got a dead leg. He must have had a hell of a whack because usually you can run them off.”

Wanderers will have fresh attacking options even if McClure fails to recover, with Joel Grant back from suspension and Ainsworth confident Dean Morgan will be fit enough to face Exeter.

McClure was replaced at Plymouth by Ade Azeez, who himself had just returned from injury.

His injury curtailed loan spell from Charlton comes to an end after the New Year’s Day game, although Ainsworth has not said if he plans to extend the deal.

But he said: “I’m sure there will be more from Ade to come.”