Craig Harrison issues call to TNS players ahead of crunch week
Craig Harrison has urged his disappointed fringe players to make a case for playing in their Conference League decider next week.
The New Saints were beaten 2-0 against Greek outfit Panathinaikos on Thursday evening, with a handful of league first team regulars left on the bench for the clash.
Josh Daniels, an almost ever present all season was left out but was quickly called into action following an 11th minute hamstring injury for Ash Baker.
Declan McManus also dropped to the bench before coming on in the second half of the tie at the Croud Meadow.
A number of other players are also knocking on the door, and Harrison has challenged them to stake a claim for next week's European decider with Celje, as the Saints prepare to take on Colwyn Bay on Sunday.
He said: "The good thing is that we are getting people back and fit again, it is a big challenge now for a few of the lads.
"I know they will be disappointed about not playing tonight but it is up to them now.
"The Welsh Cup comes around and it is an opportunity for them to play in the game and get ready for Thursday against Celje.
"We can't take our foot off the pedal, we have a strong squad and tonight we did have a strong bench.
"We will have a couple possibly back but it is up to those boys to go and perform in the Welsh Cup and make a point to say, 'you won't be leaving me out of the team again'.
