STANLEY manager John Coleman admits he is facing a challenge of balancing his squad ahead of tomorrow’s League Two trip to Cambridge.

The Reds head south on the back of a 4-0 Checkatrade Trophy victory over a youthful Wigan Athletic in midweek. Coleman made a host of changes for the win which secured Stanley a place in tonight’s second round draw and a number of fringe players took their opportunity to impress.

Erico Sousa scored twice while Mekhi McLeod and Jonny Edwards were also on target.

It all means that Coleman has plenty of food for thought in terms of his selection at the Abbey Stadium.

He said: “They are knocking on the door all season, they have trained brilliantly all season and they are asking questions of me every day which is the way it should be.”

Coleman openly admits that he is not one to make too many changes to his starting XI and when asked if it is difficult to keep his fringe players happy he said: “It is part and parcel.

“We have got to keep them enthused and that is your job as a manager.

“It is always tricky. Players only love you when they’re playing. You have got to manage them and keep them enthused and involved and excited about the prospect of where we are going to go this season.

“You have to do that on a daily basis, in training, on the coach when you are having something to eat with them, you have to always interact with them.”

Stanley currently have eight players on loan at the Wham Stadium, although Tom Dallison has temporarily returned to parent club Brighton to feature for the Seagulls’ Under-21s, and with only five loanees permitted in a matchday squad Coleman praised the attitude of those not involved.

He added: “We explained to the people who came in that it would be difficult because only five are going to be involved but the lads have been great.”

The Reds will face a trip to either Bradford City, Scunthorpe United, Walsall or Lincoln City in the next round of the Trophy when the draw is made at 6.30pm tonight and of the potential opponents Coleman added: “We are going to be away so it will be difficult. But bring it on.”

The lads who have played in this competition have done really well in the three games.”