Tigers have enough strength in depth

STEVE Gardner believes that Tigers will have enough strength in depth to get a result against Tamworth on Saturday, despite missing some key players.

Forwards Massiah McDonald, Gary King and Gavin Allott are all out, along with defenders Michael Jacklin and Marc Roberts.

But full-back Gardner expects a strong Worksop outfit to greet their Conference Premier visitors in the FA Trophy clash.

“The gaffer mentioned in training that we have a few players out but he has a great squad to work with, we have strength in depth and players who can come in, or play different positions.”

“Someone like Luke Shiels can play centre-half, right-back or even in centre midfield.”

“We’ve got Luke Sharry who could come into midfield, Owain Warlow can come in, Sam Duncum.”

“We have depth and we have cover,” he insisted.

Gardner gave an insight into the first of two midweek training sessions between Saturday’s loss at Chester, and this weekend’s big game.

“We sat down on Monday night and talked through where we went wrong at Chester,” he said.

“It’s a big part of the gaffer’s plan to take improvements from every game.”

He told the Guardian that the experience of taking on the league leaders last weekend can only help Tigers in their quest to reach the second round of the Trophy.

“Chester, playing in front of over 2,000, gave us a taste of what Tamworth will be about - they’re a big club.”

“It was an insight into how hard we will have to work.”

“If we go out and give it everything there’s no reason we can’t get a result.”

And he’s hoping that Worksop fans turn out in numbers to show their support on Saturday, having grown accustomed to excellent support away from home this season.

He said: “Luckily we’re at home, there may not be as many there as there were at Chester, but if you can’t look forward to games like this then you’re in the wrong sport.”

“It’s against big teams in front of big crowds that you can test yourself.”

“The fans are great, we’ve got to appreciate them coming to away games and at home they’re becoming more vocal and that’s great to hear.”

“Hopefully we’ll get a big crowd on Saturday and they’ll all be buzzing from the good news about the new stadium.”

“The club wants to go places, the fans do and we want to win for them.”

“The future seems a little bit brighter than at the start of the season.”

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