Jimmy Quinn has revealed that midfielder Mark Convery was left off the bench on Saturday at Halifax because he was unhappy not to be in the starting line-up.

Midfielder Paul Carden missed the game on Saturday through suspension but versatile left-back Stephen Reed was preferred in his place and supporters were surprised that Convery was not even among the substitutes. Instead first year pro Jordan Collins was named on the bench for the first time this season.

"Mark is not injured and he was named on the bench to begin with, but his attitude wasn't the best and I left him off the bench," confirmed Quinn.

"It's very important - as you can see from Saturday after Mark Peters got sent off - that the players on the bench are prepared to go onto the park and give it everything they've got.

"Mark was showing that he wasn't very happy - which is OK, I don't expect players to be dancing about when they're not picked in the starting eleven - but they've got to be careful with me because a player could go down injured after five minutes and it's important that a substitute goes onto the pitch in the right frame of mind.

"I could see that Mark was disappointed to the point that I didn't think he would be able to perform so I made the decision to leave him off the bench.

"I'll be chatting to him because I think at his age (26) he may be looking to get regular football somewhere else. I have a lot of midfield players and I can understand his frustration, but I pick the team and I pick the subs accordingly, so if I need to change the tactics they have to be able to go on and do a good job."

Quinn's midfield options increase again for Saturday's game at home to Forest Green Rovers as Carden returns from suspension while Ben Farrell is expected to be available for selection after missing two games with headaches following a bang on the head during the home win against Stevenage.

Make Your Click Count For The U's - talk about it on the Message Board!

You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website, unless otherwise stated, is subject to copyright © and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source including all quotes.

AT080220