Evatt: It's A Strong Squad To Choose From

Ian Evatt is ready to welcome back reinforcements to his cup final-clinching squad as Wanderers turn their attention back to their promotion push.

The Whites were severely stretched for their Papa Johns Trophy semi-final win at Accrington Stanley, where Evatt named just six players on the bench.

But the Wanderers’ boss was able to deliver positive news on the injury front ahead of Saturday’s visit of Port Vale when he will also have January signings Shola Shoretire, Victor Adeboyejo and Dan Lundulu back on duty.

“We’ve got some really good players who weren’t available last night,” said Evatt, who guided his side to a 2-0 victory at Accrington on Wednesday night to set up a Wembley final date with Plymouth Argyle on 2 April.

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“Kyle Dempsey will be back available, Cameron Jerome will be available, which is great news, and we’ve got the ones who were cup-tied back available.

“It’s a strong squad to choose from. We’ll have a look at them tomorrow and make the best decision on who can win the game against Port Vale.

“There’s lots to be pleased and positive about but there are no pats on the back.

“It’s about the next game and the next result and that’s on Saturday.

“It makes it more difficult after yesterday and so many highs. To get ourselves re-focused is going to be tough. But I see a steely determination in the players’ faces and they will be ready for Saturday.”

Dempsey returns to the squad after missing the Whites’ win at the Wham Stadium with an ankle knock picked up at Wycombe last Saturday when Wanderers suffered a first defeat in six games to slip a place to fourth in the League One table.

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Jerome has overcome a back spasm, while Nlundulu could make a first appearance in just over a month after over-coming a hamstring injury.

The on-loan Southampton forward has been restricted to just one start since arriving from St Mary’s via Cheltenham Town but has already made an impact in a squad clearly thriving as they look to sustain their top-six challenge in tandem with their Trophy run to Wembley.

“He’s back, he’s fine. He’s trained really well and he’s got the bit between his teeth and he’s ready to go,” added Evatt.

“He’s a fantastic character as well. The players have really connected.

“It’s crazy to think with so many new ones in January, but the way they’ve all connected together is superb.

“It’s all about the environment we’ve created. It’s a really good environment to work and improve and every player is enjoying it at the moment. I think everyone’s enjoying their football.”

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