United play the first of their Leasing.com Trophy Group G fixtures on Tuesday night with invited academy side Wolverhampton Wanderers the visitors to Brunton Park.
Speaking about the game, manager Steven Pressley said: “It’ll be a good test for us because a lot of our players will be young players as well.
“It will be a good game and a game where we’ll get some game time into our players who’ve been on the fringe at the same time as giving our young players some experience.
“It’s a game we want to win, like them all, but when you’re working with a small squad it’s important I manage that properly. I’ve asked a lot of certain players this season thus far, and I don’t want to risk certain individuals on Tuesday.
“It gives an opportunity to those players who are on the fringe to go out and make a real impression.
“The aim is to win and get the points because we want to progress beyond the group stages. Winning is a good habit, especially at home, and we want to be picking up victories every time we play at Brunton Park. Hopefully we can do that Tuesday.”
Likely to make another start for the club is Newcastle United loanee Elias Sorensen, who could find himself in an advanced striking role against the Wolves under-21 outfit.
“We’re continuing to work hard with Elias,” he confirmed. “We’re working several afternoons a week with him and a number of our players who we’re trying to improve all the time. That’s my job.
“I’ve spoken to Elias and I’ve told him exactly how I feel at this moment in time. My job, now that I’ve spoken to him, is to help him become better, and that’s what I’m doing.”
With reports from the north east suggesting that the Magpies are keeping a close eye on the loan situation, we wondered if there had been any suggestion of a recall.
“No,” he replied. “Part of a young player’s development is coming out to a team and having to fight for your place.
“That’s real football, and part of their development. Steve Bruce and the Newcastle staff will understand – this is a big part of his development.”