In the first indication of Saturday’s team news, Paul Merson has said that he will not bring back Ian Roper, even if he is fit.

Merson says in the Express and Star that he feels that Chris Westwood has done enough to keep his place in the side and that, even if fully fit, Ian Roper can expect a place on the bench only for the FA Cup Tie.

Merson has certainly had his share of criticism in the past for his chopping and changing of the team and it remains to be seen whether this heralds a change in policy or not. The true test of that will be whether Michael Standing, excellent on Tuesday night, makes way for Leary or not.