MATT YOUNG, Tom Clarke and the rest of Town’s cavalry have been told to make sure they can ride to the rescue this Christmas.
As the reserves play Shrewsbury at the Galpharm today (2.00), coach John Dungworth reminded the back-up squad their big chance could be just around the corner.
With Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham starting a spell of four League I matches in 11 days, injuries and suspensions can bite hard and Dungworth has told the reserves to be 100% ready to step up if needed.
“When so many games are coming up, there are bound to be opportunities for somebody in the squad and it’s absolutely vital they are ready to grab it,” said Dungworth today.
“This is when all the fitness work and training you do really comes into play and it’s your squad strength that can shine through.
“Because of the short rest periods you get at this time of year, it is essential people are ready to step up when needed and grasp the opportunity with both hands.
“It’s a massive incentive for all the lads who aren’t figuring in the first team at the moment, because their big chance of a call-up could come at a moment’s notice.”
All five of manager Andy Ritchie’s substitutes from the 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers – keeper Alex Smithies, Joe Skarz, Danny Racchi, Jon Worthington and Luke Beckett – were in the second-string starting line-up today.
Midfielder Young was also aiming to make a positive impression, along with defenders Tom Clarke, Shane Killock and Aaron Hardy, versatile James Berrett and frontman Luke Malcher, who is under observation for a hernia problem. Worthington, Skarz and Beckett were not due to play a full 90 minutes.
