Last updated at 12:19, Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Greg Abbott will again call on his “hardened criminals” to steal another victory for Carlisle United tonight.

Greg Abbott

The Blues manager says his decision to go with his most experienced players over the last two games has paid off.

United’s victories against Tranmere and Stevenage have been rarities this season because none of Carlisle’s talented teens, such as Brad Potts, have started. Abbott, who has included Paul Thirlwell at Potts’ expense in those wins, will again go with experience at Scunthorpe but insists he is using the youngsters wisely.

“What we want is a core of really experienced, hardened criminals for League One, and bring in the freshness and energy of the kids bit by bit,” the United manager said.

“Sometimes people think you should bang them all in, but my job is to get results and I use the resources I’ve got the best I can. The experience is massive. That said, when Dave Symington came on [against Stevenage] his impact was phenomenal and he could have had two goals. That’s brilliant. It’s where he is. His 15 minutes will go to 30, then to 45, then a full start. That’s what he’s working towards.”

Scunthorpe, who have won back-to-back home games for the first time in two years, could welcome back winger Andy Barcham from injury.

He could take the place of ex-United loanee Mike Grella, while Chrfistian Ribeiro and Damien Mozika are both out. But former Blues Karl Hawley and Paul Reid will again be involved for Brian Laws’ 20th-placed side, while Mike Edwards could rejoin the United squad at Glanford Park.

Abbott added: “Scunthorpe are fighting their own troubles but Brian has got them flying and the pitch will be horrendous with all the rain we’ve had.

“It will be a real slog and there will be nothing tougher than Scunthorpe away on a Tuesday night.”

First published at 12:18, Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk