TROPHY IS THE CARROT FOR CAL’S BIG RETURN
NEAL ARDLEY says he has ‘dangled the carrot’ for star winger Callum Roberts to fire Notts County nearer Wembley against an Oxford City side who could be even more motivated after the suspension of their National League South season.
The 23-year-old former Newcastle United player, who helped ignite the Magpies’ run to Wembley for the play off final in the summer, has been sidelined following a groin and hip injury since November.
And the Magpies manager has given Roberts the ultimate reason to work hard in training as Notts pursue their dual ambition of promotion and FA Trophy glory.
“Callum was back on the grass and doing the hard yards last week and I’ve told him that if things go well in training, he will be considered for the cup tie,” he said. “I’ve dangled the carrot for Callum to force himself into my plans.”
Ardley recognises that Harrogate Town, who denied Notts promotion at Wembley and knocked them out of last year’s Trophy competition in the semi final, are the latest side to show that the Non League double of getting into the Football League and claiming silverware is possible. Cambridge United (2014) and York City (2012) both did so whilst Grimsby Town and Leyton Orient went close in recent seasons.
“It’s a bit early to talk about the league as we are barely halfway through the season but, yes, there is the thought of getting to Wembley and perhaps playing in front of a crowd.
“But there’s no way we are going to underestimate Oxford City. We saw the level of National League South by the battle Havant and Waterlooville gave us in the last round and now Oxford may be extra motivated as this is a season-defining game for them – they need to win to keep their campaign going.”
Ardley says he will continue to shuffle his pack after giving game time to squad players in the Trophy at Stockport, Morpeth and Havant and that means 18-yearold academy star Tyreace Palmer, who won a tie-saving penalty, was booked for diving after claiming a second spot kick and then picked up a second yellow for a late challenge on goalkeeper Joe Tupper.
“It was certainly a debut he won’t forget – but, no, he’s not done himself any harm and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick him again,” Ardley said.
“He’s come on and made a big contribution to getting us back into the tie. Of the challenge, I’d rather he showed willingness to run and get involved than I had to drum that type of thing into him.
“We didn’t make a big deal of it afterwards. I put an arm on his shoulder and told him ‘well done’.
“Tyreace is available after his suspension and I’ll have no hesitation asking the academy coaches whether he or anyone else has done enough to merit selection.
“I don’t see the selections I have made for the Trophy so far as weakening the team and I won’t be changing my policy for the quarter final.”