Schin leading by example, says Cowley

display in the 3-0 victory over Birmingham City after coming under scrutiny in some quarters for his performances since the re-start.

Boss Danny Cowley is well aware Schindler is the only player to have played every minute for Town this season and cares deeply about avoiding a second successive relegation.

He was voted Town’s Player of the Year in each of the top-flight seasons and is eager for the team to finish this term strongly, with Preston North End at the John Smith’s Stadium today.

But will he hold up in such a demanding run of six games in 18 days, or will he burn out?

“We are not protecting against burnout because they’ve had a pretty good break in lockdown,” said Cowley.

“I think you are protecting against an accumulation of games in such a short space of time. That’s not a decision you can make here and now. Schinds has played every minute but that’s the aim of footballers, that’s what they aim to do and I’m not into giving them too much credit for doing that.

“Normally I have five or six players that have played every second of every minute of every game and that’s what you need, a core of players doing that, if you are going to be successful consistently.

“What’s important for us is to stay focused on the next game, do what we can in recovery and then try to make some really good decisions on where people are physically and mentally, before selecting the team. There are always variables on team selection. At the moment there are just more variables to consider before each game.”

Cowley was delighted for Schindler to play so well at St Andrew’s in midweek - and explained his colleagues were also happy to note his return to top form.

“Christopher Schindler has been an outstanding player for this club for a number of years,” said the boss.

“I know the Town supporters have a really special place in their hearts for Christopher and what he’s done for the club, firstly in the promotion season.

“To take responsibility as a centre half to score the final penalty says a lot about his character.

“At the time, I think he was the club’s most expensive player and I think he felt the resonsibility of that, to repay the club by taking that penalty.

“That says a

He is genuinely one of

the nicest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of working with

lot about him