With the previously suspended and internationally summoned figure of Saul Deeney returning for selection, it seems as though the only major headache as to his team selection will be through the sudden (I say this biting my tongue) abundance of personnel at Ian Richardson's disposal.
With Deeney now returning from suspension and international duties with his native Republic of Ireland under-21 set-up, Richardson now has the profit of having two, upcoming, in-form goalkeepers at his fingertips, if you’ll pardon the expression.
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However, as the NCM messageboard currently suggests, widespread belief and simple common sense prevailing would assume Deeney – avoiding any sentiment to Elliot – to start this evening.
With long-term injury victim, Steve Scoffham, returning on Saturday, Richardson has the atypical luxury of being able to name Scoffham in the side if he so wishes. However, with the 21-year-old still some way from match fitness, it is likely that the former trademen’s role will remain from the substitutes bench.
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Whilst Julien Baudet and Rob Ullathorne both suffered minor knocks from the defeat at home to Bristol Rovers on Saturday, both are expected to make the trip south. Mike Whitlow (calf), however, is not so lucky. Although the skipper should be back in action come the weekend for the visit of Lincoln City.
David Pipe will also certainly miss the match as he serves his country in the second of his two recent qualifying games for the Welsh under-21 outfit.
After captaining the under-21 side to victory over their Austrian complements, Pipe travelled to Austria for, effectively, the return leg of the fixture. He also is set to return against Lincoln this Saturday.
Player-Manager Richardson, however, will see no more action first hand this season after undergoing surgery on his knee on Good Friday. Whilst Richardson recovered from surgery in favour of sitting out the contest on the bench, the crutch-clad Richardson saw the game from afar and normal service, as per usual, will be resumed for the Notts manager come Tuesday evening.
The season for Richardson, as a player, however, is now all but over.
Mike Edwards (cruciate), Richardson (knee) and Gavin Gordon (jaw) remain on the sidelines, with none of the trio expected to feature again this season.
For action and reaction from the match, be sure to check back to NCM later today.