Harrogate Town v Leicester City U21s: Simon Weaver to utilise fringe players in EFL Trophy tie

The players who have found themselves on the fringes of Harrogate Town's squad so far this season will be handed an opportunity to show manager Simon Weaver "what they're about" this evening.
Midfielder Jack Emmett could feature for Harrogate Town in their EFL Trophy showdown with Leicester City under-21s. Pictures: Matt KirkhamMidfielder Jack Emmett could feature for Harrogate Town in their EFL Trophy showdown with Leicester City under-21s. Pictures: Matt Kirkham
Midfielder Jack Emmett could feature for Harrogate Town in their EFL Trophy showdown with Leicester City under-21s. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

The Wetherby Road outfit entertain Leicester City under-21s in the EFL Trophy, with a much-changed starting XI from the one that faced Bolton Wanderers on Saturday expected to take the field.

Boss Weaver has confirmed that versatile defender Warren Burrell and midfielder Lloyd Kerry - both of whom were rested against the Trotters - will return, with Brendan Kiernan also set to start in attack.

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In addition, it is expected that centre-half Jake Lawlor and midfielders Jack Emmett and Joe Leesley will play their first competitive minutes of the season.

Town boss Simon Weaver.Town boss Simon Weaver.
Town boss Simon Weaver.

"It's an opportunity for a lot of the lads who have been on the outside looking in to play, to show us what they're about," Weaver said.

"It'll be a fresh take on things tomorrow with a lot of players coming into the team who haven't played as many minutes as others have.

"The likes of Warren and Lloyd will be back in to give those new players some kind of familiarity and guidance as to how we operate.

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"Brendan came on and created a bit of a spark [against Bolton] and hopefully he'll do more of the same tomorrow."

Town kicked-off their first-ever Trophy campaign with a 2-2 draw at Grimsby Town last month, late strikes from Kiernan and Kevin Lokko sealing a dramatic fightback at Blundell Park.

Leicester's youngsters began with a victor, beating Hull City 2-1 courtesy of a stoppage-time penalty.

Kick-off at the Keepmoat Stadium is at 7.45pm.