From the Paul Lambert presser.........

pretty much admitted he is going to mix it up for the game and give fringe players some minutes.
As expected Kyle Naughton wont play because Spurs are still in.
Ward, Vaughan and Tierney all came through the reserve game and are ready to play.

He also mentioned resting some of our players that have played "week in and week out"

Im guessing the side could look something like this.

----------------------Steer-------------------

----Martin------Barnett-----Ward------Tierney

Crofts---------Fox-------Johnson---------Lappin

--------Jackson-------------Vaughan-----------

Although Lappin played in front of the back 4 against chelsea, which is another option.

This is probably the largest fit squad that Paul Lambert has had to pick from since he has been at the club.

Which is obviously encouraging going into 3 games in 7 days.

The toughest part is keeping everyone involved, which hopefully this cup game will.

As I mentioned before the rewards for getting to the cup final are not even as great as 2 or 3 higher places in the Premier League.

While the claim is we want to win the game, its obviously more important to give fringe/previously injured players some quality playing time.

Its interesting that since the Jonny Howson transfer, Paul Lambert is obviously much more up beat when asked about transfers.
( a stark contrast to his frustration a few weeks ago when he yold us nobody would be signing!)

When asked today he didnt deny that something else could be possible. (we also have one PL loan slot open)

Looking at the squad, it currently looks really good if Vaughan and Ward can keep fit.

We look to have a lot of depth in virtually every position.

If we could sign Naughton permanently I think that would be a fantastic transfer window.

Posted By: usacanary, Jan 27, 16:10:00