Brian Barry-Murphy has emphasised the importance of the Leasing.com Trophy for his younger players’ development, ahead of tomorrow night's game at Bradford City.
Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup First Round draw at Wrexham, just two days before the fixture, allows the Dale boss to rotate his side in their final EFL Trophy group game.
And the Irishman has suggested a more youthful side will be given opportunities to impress against Sky Bet League Two opposition.
“We will continue with the same motto that we do all the time,” said Barry-Murphy.
“We tend to play our brightest young talents in that competition, combined with some of our more senior players.
“That is the mantra we have always tried to use and will continue on Tuesday night.
“We have a lot of players out injured, which makes things difficult for us.
“The lads struggling towards the end of Sunday’s game with physical issues can’t be asked to play again Tuesday night.
“I think it is very much about finding enough fit bodies for this game as we have a lot of players out missing – as well as trying not to use any players in the squad at Wrexham.”
Ryan McLaughlin made his long awaited first appearance of the season from the bench – on Sunday - and was thrown into a heavy tackle immediately in the latter stages of the game.
Returning ‘keeper Robert Sánchez also felt the effects from a strong challenge, but Barry-Murphy had no issues with the oppositions physicality.
“Sunday was a proper cup tie. I had no problems with any of the challenges, it was just a competitive game,” he added.
“We have some lads who are carrying bangs and bruises from that, and some lads who pushed themselves right till the end, even when they probably could have come off.
“Our lads’ courage to stay on the pitch has been evident all season, even more so on Sunday.”