'It's hard to get into our team': Andy Garner reflects on Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts goals amid tough Mansfield Town squad decisions

First team coach Andy Garner has said it’s a tough decision to select who will start each week for Mansfield Town.

After their summer of recruitment, Stags have plenty of options in their ranks, which is a huge positive for when rotation is crucial.

Both Rhys Oates and Tyler Roberts took their chances against Blackpool last weekend with a goal each from off the bench but so far this season, Michael Smith has been the main man to compete with up front.

With four goals in his last three appearances, Smith is expected to remain a regular starter for Stags but the team selection process overall remains an unenviable task.

Roberts scored his first goal of the season on Saturday after struggling with his fitness. He’s faced a few injury setbacks already this season and is yet to start a match in League One.

Oates scored in the league opener against Doncaster Rovers but then went nine games without finding the back of the net again. He came close against AFC Wimbledon with Stags 3-0 up but after an impressive solo run, his shot was tipped onto the bar.

“I love to see lots of people scoring goals and I think Rhys and Tyler did need their goals,” Garner said in his press conference this week. “After his chance was saved, we were hoping Rhys would get a goal for a bit confidence because he has been a little bit down and his performances haven’t been up to the standards that we expect. But Rhys is Rhys and smashed it top corner.”

Both Oates and Roberts scored quality goals against Blackpool and will hope to capitalise on more chances that come their way this season. Oates sliced his effort in from a tough angle on the left of the goal, while Roberts ran with the ball from the halfway line, sent the defender the wrong way inside the box and whipped his shot in for Stags’ fourth.

“I was so happy for Tyler, he’s had to wait his time. It’s hard to get into our team and it’s hard for the gaffer and all of us to pick the team,” Garner continued. “You see the players on the bench who are disappointed and the ones who can’t even get into the squad, it’s not a nice thing.

“Tyler has had to wait and we had a nice chat on the way back about it. I thought his goal was fantastic. It was a fantastic moment for him and I’m delighted for him.”