Fringe players get chance shine for Chesterfield in Vertu Trophy opener
Fringe players will get a chance to impress for Chesterfield in the Vertu Trophy tonight.
Manager Paul Cook is set to name a much changed side from the one which beat Oldham Athletic in League Two on Saturday when Manchester City U21s come to town for a 7pm kick-off.
Cook has already stated that recent loan signings Joel Randall and Kiano Dyer will get “strong minutes”.
Rafiq Lamptey, who didn’t make the matchday 18 at the weekend, is expected to start while the likes of Junior Eccleston, Danny Anisjko, Alfie Pond and others would benefit from some competitive action.
"We have always targeted this competition to give younger lads a run-out and to give really good minutes to others who have not been playing,” said Cook.
Chesterfield are in Group D with City, Mansfield Town and Port Vale, who come to the SMH Group Stadium next Tuesday.
It is the third visit to Chesterfield for City’s U21s following draws in 2017 and 2024.
Current City first-teamer and England man Nico O’Reilly played last time and there could well be future stars in their ranks again.