Edwards’ side had already claimed third place in the Championship last week and admitted that this game was important to give other players game-time.
“Today was about resting key players”, said Edwards. “It was about making sure we don’t risk anyone unnecessarily and it was about giving some players some game-time because over the next couple of games, if they are needed, we need people up to speed. Overall, it was a successful day.”
Two players that came back from injury to play one half each was Gabe Osho and Reece Burke. Edwards explained: “Gabe and Burkey have put themselves right in the mix (for selection). The plan was for 45 minutes each, they’ve worked extremely hard. I want to big-up the staff and everyone involved in their rehab process, well done to those guys because the turnaround time on both their injuries was fantastic. Big well done to the players and the staff on that because they have done great.”
Fred Onyedinma was voted Man of the Match after playing 55 minutes on his return from injury, and the boss was pleased with the wing-back’s contribution.
“I thought there were some good moments from Fred, there were good moments from all the lads who’ve not been in much recently. Fred has some outstanding attributes, the one thing that I’m going to keep pushing him to keep showing that even more, but it was good for him to get some much-needed game-time.”
Edwards confessed that he did not have one eye on which team we could potentially face in our play-off semi-final during the game.
“Sounds like it was quite exciting. We weren’t keeping track of it, when the final whistle blows then we’d find out. We stuck to what our plan was and were just tried to get the minutes right for people. I thought Joe Johnson did great, the young player coming through the academy, it’s his second game now and I thought his 30 minutes was really impressive so well done to him. There were some good things out there today.
“I think whoever it was going to be, we know is going to be difficult. Big stadium, big football club. Tony Mowbray has done really well there, lots of good individual players and we experienced that not that long ago up there.
“It helps that we recently played each other. We’d have both taken a look at each other then so we’ll definitely be able to look back on that game as well as some of their recent ones. They’re good at going forward, they are risk-free and will go for it looking to attack. We’re going to have to make sure that we defend really well, do the basics well, and then we’re going to have to take the most of any chances that we can. We want to make sure that we’re well in the tie coming back home on Tuesday night.”
