A return for Ashley Nadesan is currently in the balance ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Gateshead, with the striker hopefully set to make his first appearance since the 2-2 draw with Morecambe.
Nadesan has been absent for the last three outings in all competitions due to injury, but has returned to training in the lead-up to the clash with the Heed and faces a relatively late fitness check before being given the green light.
Furthermore, Alex Woodyard has received a setback with a reoccurrence of the previous knee injury sustained back in August, and will be out for a couple of weeks.
“Naders is back training today, so that will be finalised this afternoon in terms of whether or not he’s available, which would be a welcome addition to the squad because Naders has played a key role in us climbing and putting this run of form together.”
“Like with Naders, like with Woody and all the other lads that have picked up knocks and injuries or any suspensions, it’s an opportunity for somebody else.”
“What we saw on Tuesday night is the squad is in a good place and the players that potentially haven’t got the shirt are going to react the right way and do what they can to try and take the shot off someone else.
“It’s obviously disappointing, but it’s an opportunity for somebody else to help us move forwards.”
Chris Agutter otherwise has the same squad available to him as he’s had in recent weeks, with the longer term absences of Alex Kirk, Liam Vincent and Jack Wadham being the only other players currently on the sidelines.
The Head Coach also alluded to the possible introduction of George Vorster, who has enjoyed a successful dual registration deal at Burgess Hill Town. The young forward could be rewarded for his form whilst out on loan, with Agutter reiterating the need to earn the opportunity, regardless of age or experience.
“They’ve got to earn the opportunity and then when they get it, they’ve got to take it, So I think that’s a healthy environment to be in. I think you only have to see it with Junior Eccleston, obviously, he’s not the biggest name at the football club, but he’s come in and done incredibly well and been really impressive.”
“He’s keeping people out of the side that have got a bigger reputation and played a million and one more games, but if you’re good enough, you’re old enough, and that’s the case with everyone at the football club.”
“So George Vorster, for example, who’s been out on loan with Burgess Hill, has been doing incredibly well.”
“We’re looking at bringing him into the first team squad as part of a reward for his brilliant progress within the academy and whilst out on loan, but equally, he’s someone that we think can help us move forward.”
“Again, it’s very much about if the level of performance is where it needs to be. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 18, 19 or 33. We’ll do whatever it is we need to do to win games of football.”
