Steve says he will utilise the squad over festive period

With a busy festive and New Year approaching Steve Davis says he will look to utilise his squad to keep everyone fresh and available. The Alex boss only has goalkeeper Steve Phillips (ankle and bruised shin) and Ollie Turton (thigh) struggling to be fit for this weekend’s visit of Bournemouth.

Midfielder Abdul Osman (twisted knee) has returned to training this morning and is hopeful of declaring himself available for the visit of Eddie Howe’s Cherries.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We virtually have everyone fit at the moment and that is good. We have Steve struggling with his ankle and shin and Ollie has a thigh strain, but everyone is training. AJ is back with us and Kelvin and Abdul will join in with us today.

“The more we have fit, the better because we have some tough fixtures coming up in a short space of time and we will need the squad. It is a squad game and it is my job to manage that. The players are professional and understand that they won’t be able to play in every game at this level. That is the reality of it.

“I will use the squad the best I can and try and freshen things up when it is needed. That will keep everyone involved and give everyone a chance. If they are in the team then they have to play well to stay in. If they get an opportunity then they have to play well to stake their claim. That keeps the competition going and makes sure everyone performs as well as they can. “