TOWN defender David Mirfin already looks sure to step back into the starting XI for Saturday’s key League I clash with Port Vale.
Now midfielders Michael Collins and Chris Brandon and striker Andy Booth have the chance to stake a claim for the Galpharm game.
The trio all travel to the Potteries to take part in tonight’s Reserve clash with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium (7.00).
And with boss Andy Ritchie threatening a shake-up in the wake of Friday’s 3-0 defeat at Tranmere, there’s no shortage of incentive to impress in the Pontin’s Holidays League Central Division match.
Like Mirfin, Collins and Brandon have had to make do with a place on the bench for Town’s last two games (the 1-1 home draw with Oldham preceded the Tranmere setback).
While Mirfin lost out to Richard Keogh, now back at Bristol City after a two-month loan spell, Collins missed out as part of a midfield reshuffle while Brandon’s berth on the left went to Danny Schofield.
Booth has been ruled out of the last two games with a back injury.
Before that, he was on the bench for four games running as Ritchie plumped for Luke Beckett and Danny Cadamarteri up front.
“Given recent results, it’s fair to say there could be changes against Port Vale,” confirmed Ritchie, whose side are 17th, a situation which caused chairman Ken Davy to issue an apology to supporters yesterday.
“David Mirfin was doing well alongside Nathan Clarke at the start of the season before getting injured, so that partnership will have another chance.
“With Michael Collins and Chris Brandon, I just felt they were both a little bit off their game.
“Now they have a chance to show they’re ready to return.”
Booth trained under the eye of physio Lee Martin yesterday.
