Lincoln City travel to Morecambe this evening for a crucial knockout game in the Vertu Trophy.
The match will be a significant opportunity for Head Coach Michael Skubala to assess his squad depth while giving young talents like Oisin Gallagher another chance to shine.
Spotlight on Oisin Gallagher
Oisin Gallagher, described as one of Lincoln’s “best-kept secrets,” will likely play a role tonight. Signed from Derry City in 2021 after obtaining special permission from FIFA, the midfielder has since gained experience through loan spells at Barwell, Drogheda, and Peterborough Sports.
“Oisin is definitely in contention,” said Skubala. “I thought he did well when he came in the last game against Manchester City Under 21s. He’s improving with his time away, and we’re monitoring his progress closely.”
Despite Gallagher’s growth, competition for his position at the base of midfield remains fierce, making a recall during the winter transfer window unlikely. Skubala added, “He’s growing as well as we want, and he’s just got to keep developing and keep going.”
Squad Rotation and New Faces
With a congested fixture schedule, Skubala is expected to make several changes to the starting XI, balancing the need for a strong performance with player fitness concerns. The manager highlighted the importance of squad rotation, saying:
“We’ll have to use the squad, there’s no doubt, because we’ve been thick and fast with games. We don’t want to risk players that we can’t afford to lose at the moment. But, like all rounds, we’ll put a team on the pitch that we think can win the game.”
Several players, including Tendayi Darikwa, Rob Street, Bailey Cadamarteri, and Dylan Duffy, are likely to feature. Saxon Earley, who is nearing the end of his loan spell, may also make an appearance depending on fitness.
Writer’s View
This evening’s clash presents a valuable opportunity for Lincoln City to regain momentum after a challenging spell in the league. The inclusion of younger players like Gallagher provides a dual benefit: developing talent while giving key first-team players some rest. However, balancing squad rotation with the need for a victory will be crucial for Skubala. A strong performance tonight could boost confidence ahead of the busy festive period.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
