Workington Town boss Phil Veivers has thrown down the gauntlet to his players saying they have to earn their jerseys at Sheffield tomorrow.

Veivers has named a 19-man squad for the trip to Sheffield Hallam Universities Sports Park, which includes the returning Kris Coward, Oliver Gordon and Ryan Verlinden.

But he has warned his stars that if they don’t perform they will be out the following weekend as his squad returns to normal after their injury-hit start.

“There are some good guys that haven’t made this 19,” admitted Veivers.

“But I have told the lads we are starting the second part of the season now and whoever gets a shirt first, have got the first raps to try and keep it.

“They need to perform now or there are guys waiting in the wings wanting to take that shirt.”

Jarrod Sammut is still missing from the squad, although Veivers hopes he will return for the home clash against Batley the following Sunday.

“I thought he would be okay,” said Veivers. “But he pulled up a little lame after a running session so this was just a week too soon for him.”

Jason Mossop has been named in the 19 but Veivers admitted there was still a slight doubt about the centre’s fitness.

Mossop has been struggling with a hamstring and lower back problem and a late decision will be taken on his fitness.

Sheffield boss Mark Aston has named Canadian international Rhys Jacks in his 19-man squad after he has struggled to hold down a regular position.

But he is playing his cards close to his chest as he has also named the more inexperienced Dave Hewitt and Cory Aston, who have been playing regularly.

Workington Town: J Murphy, Hulme, Mossop, Carter, Forber, Doran, Coward, Mattinson, Shackley, B Phillips, Stack, McAvoy, C Phillips, Whiteley, Walker, Verlinden, Gordon, C Murphy, Gee.