Harry Kewell believes this weekend’s enforced break from the action has probably come at the right time for Reds.
It’s the first free Saturday of the season after we were knocked out of the FA Cup but with a hectic holiday schedule to come of six games in 23 days, the Head Coach says it’s a good time for the players to recharge their batteries.
“I have given the lads a few days off. We start against Mansfield again next Saturday and that is the first of six games between December 9 – January 1.
“Whatever you say about the lads they work very hard in training. We have worked them this season and I think we have a fit squad of lads who generally last the distance in games.
“But they need to recharge the batteries as well. The schedule coming up and how we do is going to have a big bearing on how our season pans out after Christmas and New Year.
“So we need everyone ready to play. That’s why it was good that a lot of players got 90 minutes under their belt in the Fulham game on Wednesday. We also have a Sussex Cup tie on December 12 which is another opportunity for those on the fringes to get themselves noticed.
“We’re not going to be able to go through six games from Mansfield to Yeovil on Jan. 1 playing the same side. Physically, it’s impossible although I’m sure most of the lads would be happy to give it a go!
"We've got a bit of momentum going after good results against Exeter and Coventry and we want to keep that going against another top side in Mansfield next Saturday."
Some good news ahead of the busy Christmas schedule is that skipper Jimmy Smith is due to return to training on Monday after missing three games with a hamstring problem.
