King's Lynn boss Keith Webb has ruled out catching the rotation bug ahead of today's Southern League, Premier Division promotion match-up against Chippenham at The Walks.

By PADDY DAVITT

King's Lynn boss Keith Webb has ruled out catching the rotation bug ahead of today's Southern League, Premier Division promotion match-up against Chippenham at The Walks.

Webb faces a selection dilemma with the return of fit again captain Mark Warren and striker John Turner's FA Cup cameo at Stourbridge following his recent hamstring problems.

The Linnets' chief insists he will resist the temptation to perform major surgery on his starting line up.

“We have a strong squad but I'm not going to be Rafa Benitez and rotate players,” he said. “I have about 20 lads who I know can come in and confidently do a job. Barring one or two who I see as mainstays the rest know places are up for grabs but it's not about wholesale changes. I've got a couple of harsh decisions to make. Chippenham have started well and are obviously a hard working team. That has been the basis of our good form as well so I expect a tight one. If we are at full max then it should be interesting.”

Webb confirmed Steve Melton (knee) is now Lynn's only injury absentee with the midfielder set to undergo minor surgery next week.

“He's seen the consultant and he has a little tear on his cartlidge,” said Lynn's boss. “Both I and Steve hope it's not too serious. The consultant thinks it looks like a ten minute operation so we'll wait and see how he comes out of that before we assess the recovery time. I feel with the likes Mark Camm, Andy Fisk and Shaun Carey we have good options.”

Carey is included in the squad for the first time since his double leg break against Corby last season. Defenders Greg Crane and Greg Lake are on reserve duty but Warren is recalled after missing the last fortnight with a groin injury.

“Wazza will comes straight back into the squad,” said Webb. “He has worked ever so hard with the physio and is desperate to get back playing. People want to be involved because they can see what an exciting time this is. It's important to keep everyone nice and sharp. Jack Defty is now getting back to where he was at the end of last season and he will come into the reckoning shortly.

“There is a great spirit around the place now - the lads have smiles on their faces coming to training although we take nothing for granted. Things are going well for us but football can kick you in the teeth - the test is when or if we get a setback.”

Lynn doubled the Bluebirds last season but Chippenham boss Adie Mings has warned his squad travel in bullish mood.

“King's Lynn is another of those daunting games because the crowd are very vocal and volatile,” he said. “They fancy themselves to win the league so it is going to be a big game but we don't fear anybody. They have made some very influential signings and it will be a case of us going there and doing what we can do. My team can take on any side on their day.”

King's Lynn (from): Howie, West, Chapman, Warren, Fleming, C Defty, Camm, Frew, Fisk, Carey, Nolan, J Defty, Francis, Turner, Bloomfield, Murray.