Mansfield Town seeking older players to help young talent blossom

Stags have seen full league debuts and outings for Jason Law and Tyrese Sinclair in recent weeks and boss Nigel Clough said: “What it highlights is we have got some good young players coming through at the club generally.

“But I think looking forward at targets for next season we need some good, solid, experienced players.

“I think when you look through the league at the moment the best players are the experienced ones – the Hoolahans, your Mullins. At Tranmere I think Clarke, the centre half, is 39.

“Even in our own ranks I would say that (James) Perch and (Stephen) Quinn have been our two most consistent players.

“It is absolutely vital to get that nucleus of good, solid experienced professionals. That's what all the best teams in this league have got and that's what we will be trying to achieve in our recruitment in the summer.”

Sinclair made a lively full EFL debut at Exeter and now waits to see if he did enough to retain his place against Newport tomorrow.

“It went well,” said Clough. “We wanted a bit of pace and something a bit different and Tyrese ran a little bit beyond, causing problems, and also came off and got into little pockets.

“I thought for his first start it was very encouraging.

“We are still safe and we are still fighting relegation it's still very important we give the young lads a chance as well and try to get them some game time for next season.

“Jason Law's had a good run. Now Tyrese has made his full debut and it will stand them in good stead for next season.

“You never know, whether he stays in against Newport we will see. But I think it's given him a lot of confidence just getting that first start , playing well and doing 80-odd minutes.

“He had showed glimpses coming on, sometimes good and sometimes not so good, but young players are like that.”