Rise to the challenge says Little

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

02 May 2008

BRIAN LITTLE is challenging his young players to stand up and be counted.

Relegated Wrexham's 87 year unbroken membership of the Football League comes to an end at Sincil Bank tomorrow in the final game of the season.

And Little is hoping those on show will rise to the occasion: "It will be a fairly young side," he said.

"It would be great to get a result but there are other things that are important.

"I want to see how certain individuals show up and what they might have to offer in the long run because we are preparing for next season.

"This may be our last game in the Football League but we have got to do it this way. We want to play these young lads and see how they do because the other players have not performed.

"Fans might have an opinion which might be confirmed or changed about the young lads and they need to show people what they can do.
"It is a test for them to respond."

Little wants to see his players rise above the fact they are playing for the team that is bottom of the Football League, and relegated to the Blue Square Premier Division, and show character against mid-table Lincoln who have won their last three matches.

"It has not been an easy time for them because we are bottom with one game to go," added Little. "But we are looking at who comes through this.

"Character is one of the most important things in a footballer – it is a vital ingredient that I look for every day of the week.

"One or two might feel sorry but if they think that myself, Martin Foyle and Brian Carey can't see through that they have only got themselves to blame."

Little will assess the fitness of Neil Roberts, Matty Done and Mike Williams who are all carrying knocks while Gareth Evans limped out of training yesterday.