[Devongone]

The trouble with the shop-window concept is that Joe Anyon's been there so long he's turning into Bagpuss. Weir, Jalal, Kyel Reid and Nelson are all so long in the tooth they don't need to be in the shop window. Everyone knows about them and that what they might offer would be extremely short-term. Alan Sugar wouldn't find them an easy sell. On the other hand they've got to be fit and ready to go otherwise their contracts will only expire from old-age (like me!)

If you just look at training, we haven't the senior players to raise an 11-a-side game .......... And if we incur more injuries or suspensions we well might end up drafting Weir or Reid to start in midfield.

Given my druthers I'd love to see Wakefield, Ofoegbu and Sharman have blinders tonight - just to pressurise MA into giving them the chance he finally found the courage to give Amantchi on Saturday. But I agree that isn't an easy decision to make. If you really get it wrong with a youngster not only do you mess up your team, but you also set back the lad's future.

[SaltergateBorn]

Matt Busby used to follow the principle that `if they`re good enough they`re old enough`. To some extent – although perhaps to a lesser degree, admittedly – I think the opposite also applies. At the end of their careers (maybe) they may also be looking for coaching positions and the like, and attributes such as loyalty and professionalism come into play there as well.

The fact remains, though, that we`re still paying these guys a salary. That being the case, although maybe not first choices, they`re still there to be called on in extremis and I think they should be.

[Devongone]

Fortune is the other one isn't he?

We will be paying them a decent whack ....... and only Anyon is totally useless ........... so I agree, but it isn't easy either for them or the manager. AND like Dancing I'd be really disappointed if a good opportunity to blood a youngster came along and we added Nelson to the squad instead.

But in the end you only know whether you made a good decision after the event ......... and even then you don't know how the other option/s would have worked out.