Harrow Borough manager David Howell admits midfield maestro Kenta Nakashima will be badly missed by the club.

The Japanese talent will make his final appearance on Saturday at Lowestoft Town before he returns to his homeland.

He struck twice, including a stunning 30-yard screamer, in their 2-0 win over Folkestone Invicta last weekend which kept the Reds on course for a play-off spot.

Howell said: “It took him the best part of a season to adjust to the different style of football. I was patient with him and it has paid off.

“He was thinking of leaving in the summer because we couldn’t offer him much money and it was too expensive for him in London.

“We have scored the most goals in the league (73) and he has a part to play in most of them. He has been a very influential attacking force for us.

“We missed Troy Hewitt [moved to QPR] and we will also miss Kenta most definitely. But the only good thing is there are only three league games after he leaves.”

Boro’s fifth consecutive win kept them in third spot in the table. But their play-off hopes will be put to the test this weekend at fifth-placed Lowestoft.

He added: “I thought Lowestoft were the best side we played this season even though we beat them with ten men.

“They will see it as a six-pointer and as a match that they need to win.”

Howell insists his team deserve to be battling out for promotion but wants them to simply focus on the remaining league matches.

He added: “Let’s just focus on the last four games and if we do that then the play-offs will take care of themselves.

“We are there on merit and we just need to make sure we do our best and keep going until the end.

“It is just a great position for the club to be in. I would rather be in a position where we have things to play for. Every game we have left will mean something to us.

“I can’t kid the players. They know the situation and what we have to do to reach the play-offs.”