Liam Bennett and Lewis Simper set to feature for Cambridge United against Stevenage in Papa John's Trophy

Mark Bonner is set to shuffle the Cambridge United pack for the trip to Stevenage in the Papa John's Trophy, Southern Group H tomorrow night (Tuesday, November 9, kick-off 7pm).

The U's have already qualified for the next round, and just need a draw or a win to guarantee top spot and a home tie in the knockout stages.

But with qualification secured and a hectic schedule, the United head coach will use the game as an opportunity to give vital minutes to some of the squad.

“I think we have to rotate the pack this week," said Bonner.

“By the time we get there we will have done eight weeks of Saturday/Tuesday, which is busier than last year.

“We have a busy spell ahead but it is what it is.

“We’re quite looking forward to tomorrow because it’s a bit of a different one.

“It’s a chance for some of those that have played less to play, which is important, but you are putting a team together so you never know quite what impact that will have. We have to not get too obsessed by that and just make sure the players are on the pitch that need to be.

“We will try to use the squad fully and give some of the younger players a game as well, so hopefully the balance will be nice in terms of game time.

“The expectation you have to be careful of because when you put a team together for a first time and people are playing where they wouldn’t be playing, it won’t be an easy game in that sense.

“Stevenage can still qualify so there is something in it for them. We’re trying to win the group because a home tie would be really important to us in this really busy spell.

“The main aim for us, while the result is important and we want to try to finish top of the group with the prize money and momentum at stake, the best thing we can do is get some game time into some that really need it.

“And try to make sure we have a fit and fresh group going into the MK Dons game because that is sort of the beginning of a really intense period of league and cup games.”

Liam Bennett and Lewis Simper are two of those that are set to feature at Stevenage.

Bennett impressed earlier in the competition against Oxford United before heading out on loan at Hemel Hempstead Town, and Simper has been on loan at Yeovil Town, but both recently returned to the U's given the injury and suspension issues that left the squad wafer-thin.

“I think for those they have had a little bit of time without games, Lewis probably longer than Liam,” said Bonner.

“Liam did excellent in one of the previous games for us, so we want to see that sort of momentum again from those boys.

“It’s a great chance for them to play but also just express themselves a little bit and show us what they can do and show how competitive they are and how reliable they can be.

“That’s all you’re ever trying to build up as a young player, the reliability that we can put you on the pitch knowing what you’re going to give us and there is a consistency about that.

“It’s something you have to learn through playing so there is an opportunity for those tomorrow. We know at some point they may go out on loan again to get the run of games they need, but tomorrow is a good chance to get some game time for us.”

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