Micky Mellon looking to rest weary Town stars
Micky Mellon admits he wants to hand a 'time-out' to several weary members of his Shrewsbury Town squad.
Town will have played a gruelling 56 games in all competitions this season after their success in the cups.
Andy Mangan was rested as one of four changes – two enforced – for Tuesday's 2-1 win against Coventry after two quieter games, while Jayson Leutwiler, Zak Whitbread and Jermaine Grandison are all out with fatigue-related injuries and Junior Brown was a doubt for today's visit of Scunthorpe with an nerve injury from overuse.
"They've played an awful lot of games and, without being reckless or calling me 'tinkerman', we just believe we could put a few bodies in," said boss Mellon.
"I thought (Mangan needed a rest), but it's also a case of 'can we?' I'd like to rest others.
"I don't want to mention names but some have played an awful lot of games. And when you start to see the evidence of overuse injuries, it's something we need to consider.
"Leutwiler's got a quad problem, Zak's got a hamstring injury and Junior Brown has spasms. And when you realise all are from overuse, you start to see what I'm talking about."
Sullay Kaikai replaced Mangan in midweek and scored the first goal on his first start of his second loan spell from Crystal Palace, while Larnell Cole's start was his first since January 30 and Mat Sadler's appearance after replacing Brown was his first in a month.
"If there's an opportunity to use a fresh pair of legs and if they can score a goal like Kaikai did the other night, or if he can set one up, like Cole did, then good," said Mellon. "Dom Smith's come in fresh and replaced Zak, Mat Sadler's come in fresh and replaced Junior. If you can do it and get the right results, great.
"We've had a lot of travelling with Doncaster, Colchester, Blackpool, Fleetwood – they've been sitting on buses a lot.
"So with the travelling and games and the stage of the season, you're more reckless if you don't see the signs and try to give someone a breather.
"I'd never change five or six, but if I can freshen it up with one or two, I will."
Meanwhile, James Wesolowski is awaiting the go-ahead to play again.
The Aussie midfielder has recovered from his twice ruptured cruciate ligament and is ready to get the green light in the next few days.
"He trained on Thursday and he's got one more appointment in the next few days, then he'll get the go-ahead to play," said Mellon.
"That would be a huge boost because, along with James Wallace, they're fantastic central midfielders."
