Coventry City manager Andy Thorn is determined to protect his young players from burning out.
A lack of cash for players either on permanent deals or loans as well as injuries has meant that youngsters like Cyrus Christie, who celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday, Gael Bigirimana and Conor Thomas have all been part of the first team this season and City boss Andy Thorn is keen to ensure they carry on the good job they have been doing and do not burn out.
Speaking to the CT's Alan Poole, Thorn said: "We left Cyrus out the other night because we had to keep an eye on the young boys. "His stats had dipped and when that happens you are getting ready for a below par performance.
"The same happened with Gael; it happens with all young players so it is important to freshen things up.
"They took it well - in fact, I think both of them were a bit relieved when I told them and that tells their own story.
"They've both been brilliant, doing terrific jobs but it's important that they get the chance to recharge their batteries so they're ready to go again when they are asked.
"Conor Thomas sat out the early games but he came in and was fantastic against Reading, so it's my job to get the same sort of reaction from the other lads. I didn't want to bring Cyrus on the other night but by his own admission, Chris was below par. He's just 21, remember and he's only played 17 or 18 games so he's going to blow up at some stage and it was important that I could affect the game with the substitutions I made."