Teenager Jamal Baptise may well get his chance
There will no doubt be calls for several under 23s to be used tomorrow evening against Dinamo Zagreb rather than just a couple of starters.
Former academy chief Terry Westley told us yesterday evening he believes that Jamal Baptiste and Harrison Ashby are likely to get their chances but already some fans are calling for four or five for be used.
That’s understandable in some respects given the nature of the game and with there being nothing on it but there’s also a danger which has to be mentioned.
However, meaningless the game may now seem in terms of a result, there are the futures of the youngsters to consider and those selected will be making a major step in their young careers.
And it’s important in those circumstances to have plenty of experience around them to help them as they look to impress.
It’s difficult to recall but of course Declan had his problems early on and these lads need every chance available in a game which could start to shape their careers.
I hope they all get on at some stage but starting with four or five and watching them become overwhelmed would be a seriously bad move.
Here, here.
You’re not wrong Hugh.
Zagreb could be capable of a bit of bullying if the game goes beyond us.
I think Ashby won’t be but Baptiste could. If they try and proof that they are tough kids it could go against them.
As a collective unit they have done well against rough LG1 players already this season.
Just need to keep calm under pressure.
I feel this is where Yarmolenko,Karl and Noble, probably Masuaku will have to give their all. Use their experience to help tgem through it.
I expect Baptiste or Alese to start plus Perkins and Ashby.