Terell Thomas will make his first appearance at Plough Lane since January in Tuesday night's match versus Liverpool Under-23s.
Our Head Coach Mark Robinson described tomorrow's match against Liverpool's youngsters as much more than just a friendly with supporters finally getting a chance to attend a match at our spiritual home. Terell, who has only recently returned to our match day squads after injury, will be joined by several other first-teamers, and there will be a farewell appearance for Callum Reilly.
“There will be lads involved who have had a lack of game-time recently, including Terell Thomas, Paul Kalambayi, Paul Osew, and Ethan Chislett," said Robbo. "Callum Reilly and Shayon Harrison will also be involved, as well as some of the young pros including Matthew Cox, Elliott Bolton, and Jack Madelin.
“Callum has been injured, but he’s got back to the stage when he can play now. He asked us if he could play and it’s 100 per cent about us doing the right thing. It will be great for him anyway to play in front of the fans, but it’s about his next step and helping him to return from injury by giving him the minutes he requires. The fact that Callum feels like that and wants to play is also a massive complement to the staff and the players with the culture and environment that we’ve built in the last few months.”
Robbo was quick to remind the squad about the magnitude of Tuesday's occasion with fans having waited so long to attend a game back in Wimbledon.
“I was talking to the players after our training session and I’m sure they are aware of what a momentous occasion it is, but I just wanted to make it clear that it’s not a friendly against Liverpool – it’s an incredible occasion for the fans and the club. We are back home and it’s the first time that some fans will be allowed in. It’s going to be an emotional time for a lot of those fans and we’ve got to be aware of that. We’ve got to make the game realistic and exciting for them.
“I don’t want a tippy-tappy Under-23s game, it’s got to feel like a proper game because that’s what the occasion deserves. It’s Liverpool Football Club, so it’s bound to be a tough challenge, and it’s one I want the lads to look forward to. As always, I want us to stamp our mark on the game, and let’s try to put on a show for the fans.”
Click on the link below to watch the full video interview with Robbo.