Fleetwood Town boss to rotate his squad for EFL Trophy tie with Sunderland

Fleetwood have already qualified for the next round, as have their opponents, so changes are expected from both sides.

The Highbury head coach is looking forward to seeing what some of his fringe players are capable of, as well as giving his regulars a rest.

Barton was tempted to use Jordan Rossiter in the weekend’s FA Cup defeat against Hull City.

Barton said: “We’ve already progressed in the EFL Trophy so I’ll probably play the young lads and the lads who need minutes on Tuesday night.

“I’ll give the lads who have played the main body of games a bit of a freshen up before Bristol Rovers next Saturday.

“Jordy (Rossiter) has had a year out and it was tempting to put him on the bench at Hull but I just felt it was a little unfair on the lads who have been fit and in there.

“I just felt that if I was going to bring Jordan into a game I’d rather him do the warm-up and start it, rather than a quick warm-up and then on with 10 or 15 minutes to go.

“We wanted him back with the group so he could get that feeling of travelling again and being part of it.

“I think it’s a big boost for the lads having him around the dressing room again and knowing what a character he is.

“Before the injury last season I would say he was arguably one of our most important players.

“Hopefully he comes back. He looks in great shape and he’ll be like a new signing for us.”

Barton was still able to take some positives from the defeat at Hull with his players’ fitness being the priority.

Three players had to be replaced, Harvey Saunders and Ched Evans being stretchered off, while Callum Camps also had to withdraw.

Saunders and Evans were said to be doing OK post-match, while Barton is also hopeful that Camps won’t be too bad.

“He’s just had a kick. Hopefully it’s not too bad for Campsy,” he said.

“He was taken off with one eye on Sunderland on Tuesday and Bristol Rovers beyond that.

“The cup is great, it’s a great traditional showcase for every club. We always try and win every game but I said to the lads before the game cup football is a bonus.

“We just want to get our players through fit and healthy, that’s the key. Typically, after a minute, your number nine is stretchered off.”

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