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Much is expected from the former York midfielder with many feeling that hopes of promotion rest on the Geordie's shoulders.
Pouton compared to Keane
Much is expected from the former York midfielder with many feeling that hopes of promotion rest on the Geordie's shoulders.
Groves appears to share that view, describing his effect on the team to that of Roy Keane's on Manchester United.
"When you look around the country at any team and then take somebody as important as Alan out, then you'll miss him," Groves told the Grimsby Telegraph.
"I don't want to say Roy Keane because people will say that 'he's not Roy Keane'. But in terms of people's stature in the team and on the pitch, that's what he is for us."
With Jason Crowe suspended for the weekend game against Wrexham, Groves will get chance to pair Alan Pouton with Des Hamilton - the partnership that Groves possibly viewed as his first choice in pre-season.
"We're fortunate that Alan has come back now," Groves said. "He came in and made a difference at Bournemouth and Des did quite well when he came on.
"He put himself around so it leaves it open for those two to forge a partnership. When you look at them physically, they're both powerful lads. It's a big opportunity for them.
Groves also believes that Pouton has matured as a player during his months on the sidelines.
"We're fortunate that Alan has come back now, He came in and made a difference at Bournemouth and Des did quite well when he came on.
"He put himself around so it leaves it open for those two to forge a partnership. When you look at them physically, they're both powerful lads. It's a big opportunity for them.
"When you look around the country at any team and then take somebody as important as Alan out, then you'll miss him," Groves told the Grimsby Telegraph.
"I don't want to say Roy Keane because people will say that 'he's not Roy Keane'. But in terms of people's stature in the team and on the pitch, that's what he is for us."
With Jason Crowe suspended for the weekend game against Wrexham, Groves will get chance to pair Alan Pouton with Des Hamilton - the partnership that Groves possibly viewed as his first choice in pre-season.
"We're fortunate that Alan has come back now," Groves said. "He came in and made a difference at Bournemouth and Des did quite well when he came on.
"He put himself around so it leaves it open for those two to forge a partnership. When you look at them physically, they're both powerful lads. It's a big opportunity for them.
Groves also believes that Pouton has matured as a player during his months on the sidelines.
"We're fortunate that Alan has come back now, He came in and made a difference at Bournemouth and Des did quite well when he came on.
"He put himself around so it leaves it open for those two to forge a partnership. When you look at them physically, they're both powerful lads. It's a big opportunity for them.