Boss backs Ched Evans to emerge from goalscoring drought despite dropping him

The Chesterfield boss says Evans is fit and ready to play 90 minutes, but he opted for Kristian Dennis and David Faupala on Saturday in an attempt to bring more energy to the Town attack.

“I went with Kristian and David and knew Ched would be an impact player who could help us when we needed him,” he said.

“I’ve said all along the squad is better and I’m going to use it, especially in the coming weeks with the amount of games we have.”

But there’s no suggestion that Evans, Chesterfield’s top goalscorer with just seven to his name this season, has fallen out of favour at the Proact.

The manager expects the Welshman to be back on the scoresheet soon.

Caldwell said: “I think he’s got to keep working hard.

“He showed in the early part of the season he can score goals.

“Every striker has ups and downs in that regards. Sometimes you go through a spell where you can’t score, but he’ll come out of it.

“He is a goalscorer, we are creating chances and he’ll come out of that very soon.”

There are no fresh injury concerns for Caldwell ahead of tonight’s trip to Gillingham.

Goalkeeper Ryan Fulton remains a doubt having failed to fully recover from a virus.

Caldwell may still make changes however.

“I think you’re always considering changes as a manager, looking at your options,” he said.

“We’ll see how everyone is physically and mentally and then pick the team and prepare the team tomorrow for another huge game.”