Ian Evatt admits George Thomason’s recent form has made him “impossible” to leave out of the team.

The Wanderers boss, whose side entertain recently relegated Peterborough United later today, has made no secret of his wish to rotate players this season, particularly in the midfield and attacking positions.

Thomason started his first league game of the season in the 3-1 win against Charlton Athletic and kept his shirt for the midweek victory at MK Dons.

Though Evatt intends to make changes for today’s game, he admits the 21-year-old’s recent form and attitude in training has set the bar for others.

“Fundamentally, you can make it impossible for me to leave you out. George Thomason has highlighted that more than anybody,” he said.

“He had to wait patiently for his chance, trained his n*** off, and been one of the best players every single day. He has knocked on my door – not literally – but with his performances, professionalism and mindset, he got his chance and grasped it with both hands. It is impossible for me to leave him out at the moment.

“If I was out of the team, that is the route I’d go down.”

With last weekend’s game at Cheltenham Town postponed, Wanderers have lined-up against similar types of opponents in their last two outings, which has meant some players have been left waiting for their opportunity.

Maintaining motivation and readiness among those not selected has been a challenge for Evatt but he is pleased to see his whole squad remain supportive.

“I have had no major problems and I don’t envisage having them,” he said. “I think the players understand where we are at.

“The messaging has been consistent all along. And you have to remember we are all fortunate to be employed by this brilliant football club, this is a blessing. This is a privilege.

“And, do you know what, if it is not for you and you are not happy with this role then get yourself to the next transfer window and we will have a discussion. We don’t want to keep anyone here against their will.

“We want everyone to be invested and on board, ready to play and achieve something. That is what I want and that is what they want, and what I am hearing.

“If ever that changes then knock on my door, we will shake hands, and we will move on, no issue.

“But this is a wonderful football club going on a great journey, so I don’t for the life of me think anyone would not want to be a part of this.”

Evatt believes his players have a responsibility to be ready for when they are called into the side.

“They have to because if they don’t, they won’t be in the team,” he said.

“As I have said before, I don’t expect players to be happy when they are not in the team, it is impossible. But what I do expect is a level of professionalism.

“I will treat them exactly as they treat their team-mates. And if they disrespect their team-mates, they won’t get good treatment from me either.

“It is the close-knit relationship, the band of brothers, that will make sure we have a successful season. Me, as manager, I can fall out with anybody. That’s the truth. It is the nature of management.

“I want to get on with them all, I want them to understand and respect my decisions, and I think there will be respect there because I try to be straightforward with them and tell them the truth.

“But I understand that players have the mindset that they should be in the team every week and I can’t have an issue with that. It is just that the conversations and the frustrations need to stay in my office. Once you exit that environment and you are back on the training ground, the pitch or the stadium, you need to be positive and support your team-mates and train well. If you don’t then we do have enough players to make sure you don’t get any game time.

“That isn’t me being nasty and horrible, it is just the way it is. We are in the position where we have a strong group who I trust. There will be frustration but so long as it marries up with professionalism you’ll get no complaints from me.”