'I'll stand by having a look at everyone so I can go forward' - Gareth Ainsworth on Shrewsbury rotation

The last time Gareth Ainsworth's side had momentum was after they beat Birmingham City 3-2 in his first game in charge - it was a brilliant afternoon in Shropshire. 

But they had to wait more than 10 days until they were in action, and by that point, it had all faded away. 

After a promising second-half comeback at The Brick Community Stadium on Saturday, Ainsworth will want his side to keep that up. 

The festive period was not a time for cheer last season for Salop as they lost at Cheltenham on Boxing Day, and then Burton as the pressure intensified on then boss Matt Taylor, so they will hope for different fortunes this time around. 

Ainsworth has been in charge for five games, and during that time, he has had a good look at everyone in his squad ahead of the January window opening. 

"It was something I wanted to do," the head coach said. "It's not fair on players if they don't play in an actual competitive game.

"I think the only fit one is George Lloyd. Now, he hasn't started, but he's shown me. I know exactly what George can do, and he showed Saturday how sharp and great he is at things like that."

The Town head coach made six changes to his side at the weekend.  Higher up the football pyramid, that is something new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has done a lot since he took the job at Old Trafford. 

And Ainsworth says he will 'stand by' the decisions he has made so far to give everyone in his Shrewsbury squad an opportunity.

"Ruben Amorim has rotated a lot and I think that's probably at the cost of a couple of results," Ainsworth continued. "Maybe that's happened here, but I'll do it my way.

"I'll stand by having a look at everyone so I can then go forward with what I want to go forward with."

One player who has not been in a Shrewsbury match-day squad since the end of August is loanee Josh Kayode. 

The striker, who moved to Shropshire in the summer, has been plagued with injuries over the last couple of years, and this season at Salop has been no different. 

Ainsworth admitted there are break clauses in loan deals, but before any decision is made on the future of Josh Kayode, he wants to see the youngster in action. 

"Josh Kayode is ready to go," he continued. "He has been on loan, and there are January break clauses and things that we have to contend with with the loans. 

"I want to see him before any decision is made - he is a big unit. 

"He looks quick, he looks very strong. I've seen, historically, he's been very good.

"The only thing is, he's picked up way too many injuries in the first half of the season, you know, and we need to keep him fit. 

"It does not matter who you have on loan if they are not fit and not contributing. I think it is going to be a big three or four games for him now so we can get him involved again."

Lincoln come into the clash after beating Reading 2-0 at the weekend.