Bristol Rovers boss Ben Garner has urged his fringe players to give him more “selection headaches” with a good performance at Oxford United in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
The Gas travel to the Kassam Stadium buoyed by their first win of the season, a promising 2-0 victory over Northampton Town at the Mem on Saturday.
A much-changed line-up is expected to take on Karl Robinson’s side, with seven games on Rovers’ calendar for the rest of the month.
Garner has urged those who get their chance against the Us to force their way into his thoughts with a good performance.
“This month we’ll play eight games in 28 days, so the whole squad is going to be needed during this period,” the manager told Bristol Live.
“There’s opportunities for some players to play Tuesday that have trained well and deserve that opportunity. I also think it’s a competition where we’re keen to blood one or two of our youngsters as well.
“The way we train allows players to (take their opportunity). It ensures they’re fit and when they get their opportunity they take it.
“Several players did that on Saturday because of the way they trained and prepared. They were able to take their opportunity.
“Hopefully the same (will happen) with one or two getting their chance tomorrow. We’re very hopeful they will do the same and give us more selection headaches.”
Oxford go into the game after a last-minute postponement of Saturday’s League One game with Crewe Alexandra following a positive COVID-19 test in the opposition squad.
That might affect Robinson's selection with more senior players possibly involved after a weekend off, but Garner expects a tough game regardless.
“Oxford are a good side and that was proven last season by reaching the play-off final,” the Gas boss said.
“They play a certain way generally and they’re very good at doing it. They’ve got some very good technical players with also some good experience and proven players at the level.
“People like James Henry and Matty Taylor, who obviously the Gasheads will know well.
“In terms of their team, I’m not so sure because their game was obviously called off on Saturday. Whether that will impact what Karl looks to do with his team, we don’t know.
“But we go there with full respect for them and look forward to the game.”
