Mark Robins has urged Huddersfield Town’s non-starters to maintain their focus and told them: “Your time will come.”
The manager has fielded the same XI for three games running, and could well resist changes as his side chase a fourth successive win at Barnsley on Saturday.
Town’s latest victims were Championship rivals Charlton, toppled in an eventful Capital One Cup second-round tie at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday.
While a mid-match change in formation sparked the fightback for a 3-2 win, the signs are the former Barnsley boss will stick with 3-5-2 on his return to Oakwell.
“I feel for lads like Danny Ward (an unused substitute in the last three games), because he has been magnificent in training,” said Robins.
“The there are the likes of Sean Scannell and Jon Stead, who have been coming off the bench and making big contributions.
“We also have players such as Cristian Lopez and Danny Carr who have been bright for the Under 21s.
“At the moment, the performances of those who have the shirts are dictating the line-ups, and those personnel suit the system we are playing.
“But we have good players who aren’t in the starting side at the moment, and they have to be ready if levels drop and I decide on changes.”
Robins is considering sending centre-back Murray Wallace out on loan, while sources suggest his fellow defender Liam Ridehalgh could also have a stint away.
“One or two need games, but I have got to make sure we have enough in the building to cover our needs,” explained Robins.
Centre-back Joel Lynch picked up a third yellow card of the season against Charlton – five would bring a one-match ban – and the boss added: “We need to be mindful of that sort of thing.”
Premier League referee Lee Mason will take charge of Saturday’s game at Barnsley, who have conceded 10 goals in their last two games and have yet to win in the league.
