This week, it was announced that EFL Clubs will be able to use 5 substitutions in a game. It has been met with a mixed reaction, and I personally am unsure what to think about it. However, it could help blood a few youngsters, as Darrell will have more flexibility to change the system, and personnel during a game.
Jack Nolan has found appearances tough to come by, and this week, it has been documented in the media, that he has been told he needs to step up and show how good he can be, and to stake a claim to play more football. It is also been a week, that has seen Darrell talk about the lack of a RW, with Josh Gordon injured. Nolan is a RW who waiting in the wings, so it seems odd he is not starting, or making an appearances off the bench.
I hope to see this changing with the new rule. With Darrell now able to make two extra substitutions, it could help Nolan get some appearances in the league under his belt, and with it, give Darrell some more food for thought. Players will be rested, not play a full 90, or systems will change, that will see more players getting time on the pitch.
I feel it has been tough for Nolan. His appearances haven’t been top class, (all 3 in the EFL Trophy) however he has been playing against teams that are difficult. Rovers and Oxford are in a league above, and with us also fielding a rotated team, Nolan has been playing against players of a better quality, with what we would say is a weaker looking Walsall.
I would like to see Nolan playing in a full strength side, to see what he can really do, with what is our better players. Hopefully we will see more of him, as we know he has promise.
