Nicholls blow hands keeper Chapman Terriers chance

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Jacob Chapman will take over Huddersfield Town's goalkeeping duties with Lee Nicholls set for surgery

Huddersfield Town head coach Michael Duff has challenged Jacob Chapman to stake his claim after first-choice goalkeeper Lee Nicholls was ruled out for up to three months.

The Terriers boss confirmed ahead of tonight鈥檚 trip to League One leaders Birmingham City that Nicholls faces "10-12 weeks" on the sidelines after elbow ligament surgery.

Nicholls aggravated the injury in the warm-up before the match against Reading last weekend and is set for an operation this week.

In his absence Duff has turned to Australian understudy Chapman and has told the 23-year-old he must grab his chance to shine.

"Chappy is a good goalkeeper and sometimes you need opportunities," Duff said.

"We see him every day in training and for young people sometimes it is better they get thrown in so they can鈥檛 overthink it. But definitely it is an opportunity for him."

Huddersfield travel to St Andrew's on a poor run of form having lost four out of five league games after winning three in a row to start their season.