Selection poser of a different kind

Kevin Wilson admitted today that he could face problems of a different type on Saturday when he selects his team to launch Ilkeston FC’s first-ever campaign in the FA Cup.

Such was the impact made against Rushall on Monday by the likes of debut-making Chris Jones, Ellis Storey (pictured) and Dion Chambers that it will be hard on them to be asked to stand down.

But the manager still doesn’t know for sure how many of his ‘walking wounded’ will be available to return at Coalville Town - so it may not be an issue for him.

The Robins were without no less than seven players on Monday - Gary Ricketts, Daryll Thomas, Russell Cooke, Laurie Wilson, Joe Maguire, Greg Pearson and Alex Ford - who would all have figured against Rushall.

Said Wilson: “I have no idea at this stage how many might be ready to return but to be honest, I’m a lot less bothered about it after the way the lads performed on Monday.

“I’ve been saying for weeks that I wanted people to stake a claim for a place and now that it has happened, it’s perhaps come from an unexpected area. I learned a lot about certain people against Rushall.

“It’s exciting to think about what ‘could be’ when you look at the type of performances they produced and after seeing that, I think there could be some players moving out in the near future.

“I cannot and will not accept mediocrity at this club and I would rather put my faith in promising youngsters who have a hunger to do well in the game.”

Wilson admits he is delighted to see Ilkeston FC taking part in the FA Cup and would dearly like to see them string together a money-spinning run in the competition.

But he added: “I have to say that my priorities are the FA Trophy and the League. I know people are saying we will be fine and that we’re coming to terms with the Premier Division but I’m desperate to see us consolidate our position. We must not allow cup ties to distract us from that.”