IAN Evatt is willing to make some allowances for his younger players after Saturday’s pre-season hiccup at Carlisle United.

The Wanderers boss voiced his disappointment at the performance in defeat at Brunton Park, the penultimate game in what has been an encouraging summer schedule.

But Evatt is confident it will prove a minor blip for a squad with several relatively inexperienced components, not least goal-scorer, Aaron Morley, who continued a good run of recent form.

“Aaron is developing all the time,” the manager said. “He is a real physical player, a good player, a good athlete and he did himself no harm.

“There are lots of positives with him and George Thomason to be honest. I think he’s been showing up well in pre-season as well. Two 21-year-old players.

“We’ve got a lot of young lads out there and people forget that. Conor Bradley is only 18 and he’ll learn a lot from that. James Trafford is only 19.

“Every now and again we are going to throw in a performance like that, but it is about how you respond and that is what we’ll be concentrating on this week.”

Wanderers hope to have Gethin Jones fit again for Saturday’s final dress rehearsal against Huddersfield Town, the defender having picked up a minor knee injury in training at the end of last week.

Striker Amadou Bakayoko recovered quickly from a similar injury and made his return off the bench against Carlisle.

It remains to be seen whether the Huddersfield game will come too soon for Josh Sheehan, however, with the Welshman now back in full training but yet to feature since November when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in an FA Cup game against Stockport County.

Lloyd Isgrove is also on the comeback trail, having torn his hamstring twice last season, but is not expected back in action for another few weeks.


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