Coventry City manager Steven Pressley has said that a manager should never be afraid of playing younger players as he toys with the idea of starting Ryan Haynes as a replacement for the banned Jordan Stewart against Brentford tomorrow.
Some might say say that this is in preparation for when Financial Fair Play comes in next season and City are forced to off load their high earners and play youngsters, but Haynes has been in good form for the U18's this season and worked hard in his performances for City U21's including Tuesday's 4-2 win over Wigan Athletic.
"I have to put out a team capable of winning a game of football and that will never change,” said Pressley to the Coventry Telegraph's Andy Turner.
“The loss of Jordan Stewart gives other players the opportunity and we have a young lad in Ryan Haynes who may well get his chance this weekend.
"That’s why we have an Academy and develop our own players, and we should never be afraid to play them. "If we think they’re ready, then trust them.
"The Under-21s have made great strides and won their last three games.
"There’s a real hunger and determination about this group of players who did particularly well against a strong Wigan side who they out-played at times, so there were many aspects of our play and philosophy that came shining through and I’m excited by that.
“If you look at the history of football the best players in the world all played at 17 and 18 and you’ve got to trust them. That’s one of the biggest problems in the game.
"We always look to other teams who are playing youngsters and think they are better players than we have but the reality is they are maybe not better but are just getting the opportunity.
“I was forced down this route with my education but it’s made me have the philosophy I have which is that I had to trust young players and they can become the energy and heartbeat of your football club.”
Read More http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-city-fc/coventry-city-fc-news/2013/04/05/92746-33121971/?#ixzz2PaJC3l3v
Source: Coventry MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
