FORMER Tamworth defender Michael Wylde will be forced to take a watching brief when current club Cambridge United go head to head with the Lambs today.

The former England C defender amassed more than 70 appearances for the Lambs before quitting for the Abbey Stadium in the summer.

He has since made 18 appearances for the Us but is currently side-lined with a groin problem.

"I'm gutted not to be playing as you always look forward to playing against your old clubs," said Wylde.

"I've been playing for most of the season with a groin problem and have managed to get through the games.

"But with the heavy pitches over Christmas it became too much and we decided that it was time to have an operation.

"I had it two weeks ago and will be out for another three or four weeks so I'll be watching from the stands this weekend which is a shame because I would love to be out there.

"Hopefully I'll be able to play in the return at The Lamb on the final day of the season. I'll look forward to that."

Despite the fact that Tamworth are currently on a dismal run having picked up just one point from a possible 21 in the Conference, Wylde believes his team-mates will have to be on the top of their game this weekend.

"I know what a Tamworth team is capable of and I'm sure the current set of players will provide a stern test," he said.

"They are on a poor run of late, which must be frustrating for the fans.

"I don't know what it is but it was the same when I was there. We would have a great start and then hit a bad run.

"But they will want to address their form and will make it tough for us.

"I think it will be a good game and one we need to win as we still have a chance of the play-offs."

Wylde, who started his career at Cheltenham Town, admitted he has continued to follow the fortunes of his former club with interest.

He said: "I still speak to Richard Tait and he gives me some stick on Twitter!

"There aren't too many lads left from my time there except Taity and Scott Barrow, plus Dale Belford and some of the backroom team.

"Tamworth are a lovely club and I always check their results.

"I thought it was fantastic that the fans got a big day out at Everton the other week.

"I watched the highlights and was really impressed by the account the players gave of themselves.

"They were up against Premiership players but didn't get opened up, they just got undone by a set-piece and penalty.

"That shows they are a decent side and I'm sure results in the league will turn back round for them soon."

Another former Lambs hero, Tom Shaw, is expected to start for Cambridge on Saturday.

Shaw, part of the Lambs side which won the Conference North four seasons ago, scored in Cambridge's win over AFC Telford last Saturday.