Ian Burchnall will use Notts County’s FA Trophy clash to give his fringe players a chance to impress and says they are “champing at the bit” to be involved.
The Magpies can make it six wins on the spin when they take on their National League rivals at Meadow Lane on Saturday as they chase a potential date at Wembley.
With promotion from the Football League very much the priority, Burchnall is set to make changes for the clash against the Spitfires which could see Aaron Nemane, Kairo Mitchell and Eli Sam all involved.
But Burchnall has challenged those who are involved to keep Notts’ momentum going after what has been a stellar run of form which has put them in the thick of a thrilling race to return to the Football League.
“It’s an opportunity to keep that momentum going but also gives us the chance to look at one or two other things,” he said.
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“There are some players who are championing at the bit to get on the pitch and they are training really well.
“We want to give one or two an opportunity because we need to keep that hunger in the squad.
“It gives us the chance to rotate one or two which no doubt we will do, but at the same time, it’s really important to put in a good performance because we want to maintain that momentum.”
Burchnall’s head into the clash on the back on a fine 4-2 win at King’s Lynn in midweek which left them six points behind leaders Halifax with two games in hand.
A second-half hat-trick from Callum Roberts helped seal the victory with Notts fans bracing themselves for an exciting second half to the season.
But Burchnall maintains the quality of Notts’ performances have stemmed from how hard the first 11 are being pushed by those not getting regular games
“I have to give credit to the players who have not played as many minutes because they train so well,” he said.
“We went out with the players who didn’t play on Tuesday and they were absolutely bang at it in training.
“They’re working really hard. If the first 11 are playing really well and the other ones aren’t pushing them, it inevitably breeds a bad environment.
“But we have a group of players who are so hungry. The reason why the 11 are playing so well is because those training on the periphery are training so hard and pushing them every day.
“The mentality is great. There are certainly players there who deserve an opportunity.
“I think the Trophy gives them that opportunity as well.”
Notts will be without on-loan Sheffield United midfielder Zac Brunt who is cup-tied and there are fitness doubts over Jim O’Brien and Dion Kelly-Evans.