Brabin: Trophy changes will be made on merit
LUTON manager Gary Brabin has vowed that any changes he makes to his side for the FA Trophy third round tie at Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow will be done on merit, writes Mike Simmonds.
In recent rounds Brabin has completely overhauled his team, handing debuts to a number of the clubs talented youngsters, while also giving valuable match practice to his squad members and those coming back from injury.
The boss was quick to point out that he wouldn’t be picking from the club’s youth system just for the sake of it though as anyone selected for the tie needs to earn their shirt.
Speaking to the press this morning, he said: “We go into every game with a winning mentality and want to win football matches. We’ve got people on the fringe of things, or young players who will benefit from the experience.
“I don’t want to to call it a Trophy team though. There’s people who overlap both teams, Stuart Fleetwood, Amari Morgan-Smith, John Paul Kissock and I don’t think it’s a Trophy team and a league team.
“I just think it’s a case of whoever needs the games and will be strong enough to win the game and that’s certainly going to be the case again.
“There’s a good opportunity for some of the younger players.
“They’ve got to be there on merit though. One of the things I’ve said to the younger players is they’re not just getting picked because it’s their turn.
“They’ve got to be there on merit and that’s something we have done in each of the Trophy games.
“The downside is we’re waiting to see if game is on or off. That is a bit difficult with preparation, but that’s football.”
Midfield duo James Dance and Keith Keane will miss the trip due to injury, although the length of their absences were unknown by the boss.
He said: “James and Keith are both out and both are seeing specialists.
“I’m almost certain Keith is going to be a week away, whether James is I’m not sure.
“It’s possible (he will require an operation). He has got a little bit of an ankle problem and has got one or two more tests to go before we have a diagnosis.”
Another player who definitely won’t be featuring for Town if the game beats the cold snap is young defender Alex Lacey, who has featured in all the previous ties this season.
Brabin said: “Alex isn’t too well. He’s been in hospital and has had some problems with his stomach, so he won’t be involved tomorrow.”
Experienced centre half duo of Dean Beckwith and Shane Blackett are available though as they both played a part in the 2-0 Beds Senior Cup win over Bedford Town on Tuesday night.
The boss continued: “Dean came off as a precaution because his calf was just beginning to get a little bit tight, but there are no problems there,
“Shane came through 90 minutes which was a big plus, so both are in contention.”
Winger Charlie Henry could also make his full debut for Town as he continues to build up his match fitness after recently completing a loan spell with League Two side Aldershot.
Brabin said: “One of the things I said to Charlie when he went out on loan was that he needed go and play games.
“He went out for two months and although he played games, he never completed a full 90 minutes,.
“He’s been out a while and has only played six or seven games. He needs a bit more game time and I think he agrees with that before he’s back to his best.”
Young striker Jake Woolley is certainly starting to make a name for himself, with another two goals in the cup win over Bedford in midweek.
Midfielder Jerry Nash has also been praised for his efforts in the Trophy campaign and with Christian Tavernier available for selection too, the boss has some choices to make.
He said: “Them two (Woolley and Nash) have certainly been the shining light for the youngsters point of view. Both of them have done brilliant and they’ll be in squad tomorrow certainly on merit.
“Christian has been out on loan. He’s back again now and is back in contention. But there’s certainly a little bit of competition between the young lads now.”
Opponents Kidderminster haven’t given any indication as to the strength of side they will be putting out, but Brabin is expecting whoever plays, the team occupying the final play-off spot are bound to be a difficult test.
He added: “They’re going to be pushing hard to get into the play-off spots and are sure to want to get to get the final of the Trophy.
“We’re expecting a tough game again. We’ve got to be sensible and certainly won’t just be sending a load of kids there.
“It will be a sensible selection in terms of who needs football and be a case of who deserves the chances and who is good enough to take us into the next round.”
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Weather for Bedford
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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