Sam Ricketts previews Town's Papa John's Trophy fixture with Crewe Alexandra.
Shrewsbury Town travel to Gresty Road tomorrow evening to take on Crewe Alexandra in the final group stage game of the Papa John’s Trophy.
Sam Ricketts' men will be looking to secure the top spot in the group with a win over the Alex despite already being through to the next round.
Town’s Manager is looking forward to the tie and hopes to see his team build on recent performances.
On Town’s approach:
“It’s a strange one because we’ve won the two previous games and we’re already through. I can’t speak for Crewe, but it’s an opportunity to rest certain players and give minutes to players who need them.
“It’s an opportunity for those players to showcase themselves and try to put themselves in the picture for Saturday. Suspensions are competition-specific. Brad Walker and Jason Cummings have both been booked in the two previous games so won't be available.
“Crewe are a team who came up last year and play good passing football. They play in a 4-3-3 formation and try to move the ball. They have done well in adjusting to League One football so far this season.”
On the competition:
“I am torn on the competition to be fair. One aspect, it’s very good because we don’t have a reserve league so it’s an opportunity to play a few players who maybe wouldn’t play in the league. It can be good revenue for the club, and you can end up at Wembley.
“At the same time, because we have so many games this year, it can really clog up the fixture list. We are through to the next round regardless of the result so that pushes another game into December.”
Squad news:
“There are one or two who featured at the weekend who won't be involved at all. There will be one or two who will play some minutes as we step back into the league fixtures.”
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