I just kind of want to see Howley in there with an experienced head like Sheaf or Gus to see how he gets on, seems like he's the most likely from the next batch to break through into the first team squad. Writing on the wall for Reid and Bapaga i think. Reid clearly just not fancied and will likely go back to Scotland, probably end up in the SPL its so shite. Bapaga was exciting (having a kind of cool name probably boosted that reputation too) but he seems to not have kicked on as expected and i expect will drop to non league, at least for a bit. Not against Tavares getting good minutes in this one, as you say speed could cause them problems and will tell us where he's at.
Maybe, but Eccles hasn't actually played much for us in CM, and this is his chance really - sticking Howley in as well looks a bit fragile. If it were me, I'd be looking to send Howley out somewhere to toughen him up - if he stays then absolutely, he needs to be around the first team squad more to make it worth his while.
And yeah, I suspect Reid and Bapaga won't make it here but, here's their chance to prove us wrong. They can cover places we need resting more than others, they're of an age where physically they ought to be OK to compete, and Bapaga even has experience at this level. If they can't get a game in a match like this, then their time really is up, isn't it. Ditto Tavares really.
But I don't want too many reserves in, as I'd quite like a cup run. Winning begets winning and all that.
