Star filled side once more for reserves

Last updated : 23 September 2003 By Ben Collins
Robbie Fowler will be looking to prove a point after being omitted from Sunday's starting line-up in favour of Paulo Wanchope.

The defence will feature Gerard Wiekens and Richard Dunne, Ireland's goal hero of last week. Eyal Berkovic and Claudio Reyna will also play alongside each other in centre midfield in order to sharpen up their match fitness.

City boss, Kevin Keegan, said; "They were brought here to play in the first team but because of the strength of the squad we have they will have to play in the reserves.

"Claudio does need at least another game though he did well for us when he came on against Villa."

The former England coach also outlined how he hopes to use and benefit from the reserve set-up this season.

"I think this year on a regular basis, at the right time, some of the lads will play in the reserves and we will be putting out a strong side."

With so many new additions to the squad, this was inevitable, and reserve team football will provide the oppurtunity to keep players fresh and ready for the call-up.

Keegan has already expressed his desire to implement a squad rotation system so everyone's chance will come - the trick is to ensure that the likes of Fowler, Berkovic and other internationals are content with the system and happy to bide their time.

City: Kevin Ellegaard, Mikkel Bischoff, Stephen Jordan, Gerard Wiekens, Richard Dunne, Claudio Reyna, Jonathan D’Laryea, Glenn Whelan, Robbie Fowler, Eyal Berkovic, Stephen Elliott

Subs: Paul Collins, Kasper Schmeichel, Jamie Tandy, Stephen Ireland, Paul Murphy