Clough facing test of squad strength

FOOTBALL: Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough will have to focus on managing his resources with his side having a midweek game in each of the next five weeks.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Feb 2014, 06:12 BST

A run to the FA Cup fifth round – United host Nottingham Forest this Sunday – and the bad weather have combined to leave Clough’s side facing a punishing schedule, which now includes a visit to Gillingham on Wednesday, February 19.

Clough, whose side host Brentford tomorrow, said: “We have got lots of games coming up. We have been trying to arrange them as best we can.

“Ideally, we would have liked a free week (after Forest) but it is not always possible because the Football League say, ‘What if you go through in the Cup, have a replay or more games are postponed?’ So we try and balance it as best we can.

“We will manage them the best we can but they are good characters. We will use the squad so everyone stays as fresh as they can. That is what you have to do.”