Luke Williams has explained he will only be considering players deserving of an opportunity to potentially make their first-team debut for Notts County on Tuesday evening.
The Magpies boss alluded to the fact that one or two players within the academy may have the chance to feature in their FA Trophy fixture at Meadow Lane against Chorley.
Williams has already handed one academy player their full debut already this season, with Lucien Mahovo named in the side that lost to Coalville Town in their FA Cup fourth qualifying round defeat in October.
READ MORE: Luke Williams explains thinking behind Notts County situation ahead of Chorley visit
And while changes are expected ahead of their Boxing Day meeting with Oldham, Williams explained that he has to consider match sharpness and minutes for a number of established first-team players ahead of a congested January fixture list.
"I think so to some extent, but I'm also not in favour of giving players an opportunity when they didn't necessarily deserve it," explained Williams.
"I think Lucien thoroughly deserved his opportunity and I think actually, that there are one or two guys there in the academy that definitely deserve an opportunity.
"But then I have to weigh that up with how much some of the first-team players really need to play and deserve to play.
"So I am really pleased that I have got a group of players that want to play and want to be involved tomorrow.
"Yes, there are guys there that potentially will have a chance to shine on the pitch and have their first experience out there, but equally if the game does not require that or not feel like the right thing to do, then that won't happen."
One of those academy players who will not be featuring against Chorley is Luther Munakandafa, with the club confirming the youngster had extended his stay with Basford United until the end of the season.
The 18-year-old has impressed during his time at Greenwich Avenue, netting four times and providing six assists in 20 appearances.
And Williams was able to provide his thoughts on the reasoning behind extending his stay with Mark Clifford's side.
"Luther has expressed that he is very keen to play a lot of minutes and wants to play senior football so it is no good for him to play with the youth team here anymore because he feels and we feel as a club that he has outgrown that now.
"I think he would struggle to get minutes at the moment with the first-team because I think the competition is a tad too strong at this moment in time.
"But of course, we know he is very talented and now he is really cutting his teeth at senior level and I think that is a really great thing.
"If we as a club had a second team, a U23's or something like that it would be perfect for him, but equally I have worked in a U23's set up where all the players go on loan immediately and can secure a senior loan.
"Once you are ready for senior football I think that is the best place. Luther is learning his trade at senior level and he is doing very well."
READ NEXT:
- Four things learned from Notts County's season so far
- Notts County vs Chorley decision revealed amid growing weather concerns
- Five things learned from Notts County win over Gateshead as double injury boost revealed
- Notts County boss admits taking risk following Adam Chicksen injury in win over Gateshead
