“Like any game, we want to try and win it. There will be changes and it’s an opportunity for some lads to give a good impression, and either get themselves closer to the first team or in the first team,” said manager Paul Hurst, as he previewed the Leasing.com Trophy group stage home clash against Leicester City U21s.
The two sides lock horns at the Sands Venue Stadium on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off) with United looking to build on their earlier group stage success against Grimsby Town.
“The side I put out will still be more than strong enough to compete,” added Hurst.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how some players perform but have also re-iterated the point to them that we want to win. It doesn’t matter what line-up we put out, at the minute as a football club we’re not winning enough games of football so we’ll gratefully take any victory, and that’s the aim going into the match.
“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t try and progress. We managed to get a victory in the first game and if we can get another one, we know we’ll be through and that’s what we’ve got to aim for.
“We’re coming up against a Leicester side, who have young players who could go out on loan to a club like ours and make an impression but collectively we have to show what we can do.
“Myself and Chris (Doig, assistant manager) watched a lot of them last season and have seen them three or four times this year. I watched them against Liverpool on Friday, so we do know more about them than maybe some of the Under-21 teams.”
Yann Songo’o and Junior Brown will both miss the game, but Andy Butler, Levi Sutton and Andy Dales could all return to the starting eleven.
“Yann and Junior both had injuries at the weekend. They didn’t train on Monday but think they’ll be available come Saturday. I’d have probably changed those two around anyway (rotating the squad),” added Hurst.
“Andy Butler may well get a run-out but we’ll see how he reacts to Monday’s training.
“Levi and Dalesy will both be available, and I’m expecting them to get some minutes.
“One thing it adds straight away is more competition. They’ve both had spells in the team (in the past), and it will be good to have them back. They’ve trained well, looked quite sharp and hopefully they can show that in the game. They’re really keen to get back out there, play with energy and I’m looking forward to seeing how they can get on.
“Because of results, you’d like to think they’re looking at it feeling they can make a difference to us. They have to show that by performing day-in, day-out on the training pitch, and when they do get an opportunity that’s when they can really stake a claim to be in the squad.
“Lee Novak is still on the way to recovery but Tuesday will be too soon for him. Jamie Proctor, though cup tied, is still out through injury and we probably won’t be seeing him until the Plymouth game at the earliest.”
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