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Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale says his side will miss Liam Sercombe if he is not fit for Saturday's trip to Oldham.

The 21-year-old midfielder came off after just 12 minutes of the 0-0 draw with Hartlepool last week.

"It was great to have a full squad for 12 minutes for the first time this season and I look forward to seeing if Liam will make the game," Tisdale said.

"Liam's been a certain selection when he's available so quite clearly I'll have to change the side."

Sercombe has been an almost ever-present in the City side since recovering from injury in October and scored in the 2-0 win at Chesterfield earlier this month.

"He's a tough player, a tough competitor," Tisdale said. "He's very competent in all areas, he's got a will to win and he's an all-action type of player."

And Tisdale says he will particularly miss the adaptability Sercombe has when City are forced to change tactics or personnel during a game.

"He's the type of player that can play any system, any desire on my behalf to change the strategy or the pattern on the game, the type of performance - he fits into every scenario.

"He's very selectable and a good competitor," he added.