NIGEL Clough will still be without most of his defence when the Brewers take on Walsall in the Checkatrade Trophy tomorrow (kick off 7.45pm).
Jake Buxton , John Brayford and Damien McCrory are all likely to miss the Brewers first game in the competition after sitting out the victory over Wimbledon on Saturday. Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater is also still a long way off fitness.
Kyle McFadzean will however be back after serving a one game ban for the red card against Aston Villa.
Clough said: “It will be a case of as and when with Jake Buxton and his back. John Brayford will be a couple of weeks. Damien McCrory is coming on well but it might be a bit early for him tomorrow. Stephen Bywater will be four to six weeks with his shoulder.”
The Brewers had to play Lucas Akins at centre back in a makeshift defence on Saturday.
Clough said: “I don’t think in 20 years we have ever started a game without what could be our first choice back five on any given day. In those circumstances keeping a clean sheet was remarkable.”
Albion will also be without their top goalscorer tomorrow.
Clough said: “Liam Boyce is now on international duty and will miss the next two games and it’s a great chance to get Devante Cole bedded in so he can see the system we play and the roles we want from them. He has only had one training session with us.”
Clough is looking forward to the Checkatrade Trophy.
He said: “We have no problems with the competition. It’s primarily aimed at getting the Premier League Under 23 squads involved. That’s good experience for them and they have relaxed the rules on team selection and upped the prize money so there are incentives there and we will put a team out to try and win.”