Michael Appleton: “They’re a miles better team than they were last year.”

Ahead of the away fixture at MK Dons, Michael Appleton gave an indication of how he will deploy his squad throughout a busy February fixture list.

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Player Injury Updates: Liam Bridcutt has had a reaction in his knee during training. He is consulting with a surgeon to see if an arthroscopy is required (washing out of the knee) and will not be immediately available.

Joe Walsh came through a full 90 minutes during the behind closed doors friendly on Tuesday. Other than being a little stiff (to be expected) he is fine. If not Saturday, Joe will feature throughout the remainder of February.

Tom Hopper has also been training on grass with the physios; building up the impact on his shin. It has been good for MA to see him around.

MA spoke to Lewis Montsma soon after his operation and there was very good news. Not only had the operation gone well but there was no or very little damage to the miniscus. In effect the damage has been as isolated as could be hoped for and Lewis will start his long return to full fitness.

The Young Players: MA will leave Charlie Kendall to his own devices to a degree, but collectively between the Imps staff they will take in three or four of his games before the season ends. It is important he continues to accrue games in the men’s format before the club get him in and have a good look at him at the start of next season.

MA went on to enthuse about the positives for the ‘Irish boys’ (Sam Long and Sean Roughan) with what their loans can do for them, pertaining to the important step of bridging the gap between kid’s and men’s football.

“One of the reasons you send players out on loan is not only just to be involved and around men’s football, but to improve their robustness and see if they can cope with it week in, week out; or three times a week”

Experience could be judged by somebody approaching thirty years of age or conversely it could be somebody who has 300 games under their belt. Either way it is a good thing to get a balance between the two.

MK Dons: The Dons have done really well with regard to the players they have brought in during January with some of them being capable of stepping straight into the team. Their signings have been sensible – players that MA is aware of including Connor Coventry of course.

“They’re a miles better team than they were last year…..There’s no doubt about that…..In terms of their attacking power…..They’ve got pace in the team which is noticeable and they’re a real threat. We’re aware of that but we’ve been very good away from home and we know how to defend at times when we need to, and counter-attack at times when we need to”.

MA stressed the importance of getting the balance right – being aware of the MK attacking threat but also knowing when to hurt them.

February Squad Utilisation: MA has made the reality very clear that over the next three weeks, it is unlikely the same eleven players will be selected for all matches. The players have to be focused and ready for the call when it comes via whatever catalyst.

Even so, MA is very glad to have a few more available numerically and it would be very helpful if most of them could remain fit in order that he has as much opportunity to freshen things up as MA can when required.

Writer: hulloutpost

Have a go at our Lincoln City versus Milton Keynes Dons Quiz, published last season (they were all correct at the time they were published).

Michael Appleton: "They're a miles better team than they were last year."https://t.co/vqSopaifqK#MKDons #ImpsAsOne

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 4, 2022