BLUES’ boss Gary Bailey will not chance some of his key assets if they are carrying niggles ahead of their clash with New Milton Town at Grove Corner tomorrow (3pm).

Portland United skipper Lewis Whyton was left on the bench as a precaution with a knee problem during the island outfit’s 2-0 win at East Cowes Victoria last weekend and the same could happen again if the club stalwart has still not fully recovered.

“I am not sure we are going to risk Lewis,” Bailey told Echosport. “He will probably be involved in the squad but I will only use him if need be.”

Ryan McKechnie (knee) is unlikely to feature and there is a question mark over Alex Halloran (foot), but the Blues' manager has full faith in being able to utilise his squad to its full potential.

He added: “We are very comfortable with whoever we bring in so it’s a great situation to be in really.

“That’s the beauty of having a good squad at the moment, we have great strength in depth and the people we are bringing in are equal to the job.”

Positives do come for the Blues as Adam Linaker is confident of a return as well as player-assistant manager Kyle Critchell.

New Milton have used a total of 39 players in what has been an indifferent season so far.

They are 16th out of 18 Sydenhams Wessex Division One sides at present, with two wins from their opening 11 fixtures.

One man who has recently featured for the Linnets is midfielder Dom Falco, who netted in their 2-2 draw against Downton earlier this month.

“He scores goals and has Wessex League experience,” said Bailey. “If he features then he is one to watch.

“They (New Milton) are a well-established Wessex League club and we have to respect everybody we play against.

“I haven’t seen them this year but even if they are getting beaten they don’t seem to be getting hammered, so they will be a tough proposition.

“Our mind-set will be exactly the same. We enjoy playing at home, have a great record there and will be doing everything we can to maintain our run and keep going.”