Brighton and Hove Albion boss Dario Vidosic is contending with plenty of injuries and a quick turnaround time ahead of Wednesday’s Subway Women’s League Cup match against Charlton Athletic.
Already without on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang due to an ACL injury, he told a press conference on Tuesday morning that Fran Kirby also has a question-mark over her head due to illness.
So it means that he may well be giving minutes to young players as they face WSL2 opposition.
“It was a competition at the start we wanted to go for, like last season, we would normally make a few rotations, give other players an opportunity to play and find their rhythm,” he said.
“But with the thinness of the squad, we’re stretched to try and compete in both competitions. We’ll have a fair few academy girls have an opportunity as well, which is fantastic. They deserve that chance as well.
“We’ll field the best possible team that we can, but we’ll have a fair contingent of young players as well having an opportunity.”
Dario Vidosic: It will be a good chance for Brighton young players
Brighton have enjoyed two solid wins against WSL2 opposition so far in the competition, against Southampton and Portsmouth, with one defeat coming against West Ham.
And Vidosic added that it would be a good test for those trying to break into the first-team squad, with Charlton Athletic currently at the top of the WSL2 table.
“It’s trying to help bridge that gap from under-19s competition up into the first team. Games like tomorrow night are invaluable for them. It’s a good chance for them. They’ve all been training with us, helping us throughout the season, having opportunities, so tomorrow will be again a chance for some of them to get an opportunity and really stake their claim.”
And when it comes to the prospect of facing Charlton, he is sure they will prove a tricky prospect regardless of whether or not they choose to rotate their team as well.
“They’re doing fantastic. Credit to them. We know it’s going to be a tough game, with the style that they play. Whether or not they’ll make changes as well, we won’t look too far into that, we’ll prepare as per usual and look forward to a good game tomorrow.”
