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Kyle Dempsey could make his first start for Wanderers since early October in the FA Cup today.
Ian Evatt admits his highly competitive midfield ranks are causing him some selection problems, and more so since the influential Dempsey returned from a back fracture which ruled him out for seven games.
The Wanderers boss has hinted that he will rest some of the players that started at Oxford on Tuesday night to keep his whole squad sharp.
Dempsey has impressed in two appearances off the bench since his return and is in Evatt’s thoughts for the second round tie against Harrogate.
“Kyle is pushing hard,” he said. “I have 20 players who all want to be in the starting 11 but that area of the pitch in particular is incredibly strong. We have Josh Sheehan, Paris Maghoma and George Thomason who are playing extremely well at the moment, but then there’s Aaron Morley who has done great, Kyle Dempsey, Carlos Mendes Gomes – it is a huge amount of talent and I am lucky to have them all. Keeping them happy is a challenge but I think when you are getting results and the team is functioning the way it is it becomes easier.
“They know they are all going to be needed if we are to achieve our goals and whoever is in the side, the team has to be supportive. Whatever three I pick from those six, I know they are going to be fit for purpose and do the job correctly.”
Evatt also gave praise to goalkeeper coach Matt Gilks for the improvements made by summer signing Nathan Baxter since his arrival at the club.
The former Chelsea keeper has been part of a defence which equalled a club record seven successive clean sheets on Tuesday night – a record which could be surpassed this afternoon if the team shuts out Harrogate.
“Gillo’s work with Nathan has been exceptional but he is still a young goalkeeper who is improving and I have seen huge progress in his goalkeeping and his possession stuff this season, and there is more to come as well,” Evatt added.
“Matt Gilks deserves some credit because he has been fantastic with not only Nathan but James (Trafford) before him as well, and the other goalkeepers, we are fortunate to have them.”
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