Luke Williams has explained the reasoning behind why he left Sam Austin on the bench during Notts County's last National League against Bromley.
With the Magpies having their lead taken away from them on the hour-mark thanks to Michael Cheek's near post header, the Notts boss looked to his bench for reinforcements to try and extend their seven-match winning run in the league.
Whilst many expected the man signed from Kidderminster Harriers to be deployed into the action at Meadow Lane, Williams opted for West Brom loanee Quevin Castro, who replaced Cedwyn Scott for the final 15 minutes.
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And that decision almost proved to be another masterstroke, with the 21-year-old heading the ball goal-bound only to be denied by Bromley keeper Tom Smith, who enjoyed a brilliant evening in the Nottingham drizzle.
But the question continues to be asked as to why Austin is not getting more game time with Notts.
This season, the midfielder has been reduced to substitute appearances, starting three of the Magpies' opening 17 games this season, all of the appearances coming before he sustained a toe injury in the lead up to their 2-1 win over Aldershot back in September.
Whilst his contributions off the bench have been impactful, Austin showcased his talents from the start in Notts' FA Cup defeat to Coalville Town, scoring his first two goals of the season in that game.
And speaking ahead of Notts' trip to Southend on Tuesday evening, Williams explained that Castro's physicality and recent confidence following his goal against Torquay influenced his decision, but revealed that Austin will feature for his side in the near future.
"I think the game became quite open and it was less control for us than we enjoy," said Williams.
"I think Quevin is in a good place, he came off the bench and scored in the previous game and has real physicality.
"But look, there is not much there in terms of confidence in a player. Sam is excellent, we know that.
"Quevin is also an excellent player, but it felt like the type of game that would suit him more, and he did have a positive impact in the game and nearly snatched the winner for us with a header from close range.
"It is not a problem; they are both brilliant players and we are lucky to be able to have those options.
"Sam is going to feature for us in the near future, that's for sure."
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