TOWN boss Andy Ritchie has told his out-of-contract kids: "You face a busy few days, but it's for your own good."

While Andy Holdsworth has put pen to paper on a new two-year Town deal, a string of his teammates are out of contract this summer and sweating on their futures.

Ritchie, in his second full week at the helm, is determined to give them all the opportunity to impress before the end of the season.

And for the likes of striker John McAliskey, wideman Danny Racchi and versatile James Hand, that could mean involvement in both the Reserve match at home to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (2.00) and Friday night's penultimate League I game away to Northampton.

"We're still pretty stretched fitness wise," reported Ritchie, who has already ruled frontman Andy Booth (groin) and midfielder Danny Schofield (ankle) out of the trip to Sixfields, which was brought forward from Saturday to avoid a clash with the crunch Guinness Premiership rugby union match between relegation-threatened Northampton and London Irish.

"That means some of the younger lads like Macca, Danny Racchi and James Hand could have to double up by playing in the Reserves then being part of the travelling squad for Friday's match.

"That's a demanding schedule, but it's for their own good, and it gives them a further chance to show me what they can do."

McAliskey, who came on as a late substitute for Gary Taylor-Fletcher in Saturday's 4-2 home win over Millwall, fellow Republic of Ireland Under 21 international Hand and Racchi are among 10 senior players out of contract.

The others are Mark Hudson, Martin McIntosh, John McCombe, Aaron Hardy, Adnan Ahmed and Paul Rachubka, currently on loan to Blackpool, and Adam Wilson while Frank Sinclair, on loan from Burnley, is also chasing a deal.

Six of Town's second-year Academy players, Simon Eastwood, James Berrett, Lucas Akins, Mitchell Bailey, Luke Malcher and Alex Hallam, are seeking first-year professsional contracts (Joe Skarz already has his year-long deal).

"It's a tough time for the out-of-contract players, and I know they will be wondering about what's in store for them," added Ritchie.

"We are limited in terms of the number of games remaining (two at first team and two Reserve), but I want to give everyone a chance to show what they're about.

"We've yet to finalise plans for the Reserve match, and we have to be mindful that there is a first-team game two days later.

"But it's pretty likely lads like Macca, Danny and James will play at least 45 minutes tomorrow.

"While we have the nucleus of the squad under contract for a couple more seasons, I intend to do some reshaping, with pace and width areas I'm keen to boost.

"That means I will have to free up a few spaces in the existing squad.

"I've told the lads I will make a quickish decision to allow those concerned to start seeking new clubs as soon as possible.

"I aim to be as fair and honest as I can, and they're already giving me some tough decisions."

Booth suffered his injury at Scunthorpe 10 days ago.

Schofield picked up his problem during the 2-2 home draw with Port Vale on March 31.

While an MRI scan ruled out any serious problem with his groin, which had been giving him discomfort, Schofield aggravated his ankle injury when he returned to training on Thursday.

To compound matters, he is also on antibiotics for an infection in the hair follicles around the joint.

Ritchie explained: "Danny has been having his ankle massaged, and it seems the oil has caused a reaction which has been worsened because he has had the joint strapped up. "That in itself is giving him discomfort, and like Boothy, there's next to no chance of him being fit to play down at Northampton."

Midfielder Matt Young had surgery on a double hernia yesterday afternoon.

And right-back Hardy has had an injection in a bid to ease a nagging ankle problem.

Both are out of contention for Northampton along with midfielder Michael Collins, who serves a one-match ban after his red card against Millwall.