Derek Adams is ready to play the squad game as Morecambe’s manager prepares for the busy match schedule ahead.
The Shrimps’ run of ten league and cup games in four weeks begins tomorrow with a second-round FA Cup meeting against Bradford City at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
Morecambe come into the game off the back of a victory over Swindon Town last weekend, which moved them off the bottom of League Two.
If Adams’ players win for the fourth time in six games on Saturday, they will advance to round three and get £75,000 in prize money.
“It’s a big month we’ve got coming up,” said the Shrimps manager, who will be without George Ray this weekend.
“There are many games to play, and now is the time to use your squad.
“Bradford is a huge game. The FA Cup is a fantastic tournament, as I’ve already stated, and we want to go to the next round.
“Financially, it’s a boost and it gives you the opportunity of possibly picking up a tie against one of the Premier League or Championship teams.”
Adams and Morecambe have previously travelled down that road.
Adams’ reign in Plymouth Following a draw at Anfield in January 2017, Argyle earned a replay against Liverpool.
Four years later, his first term with the Shrimps included a trip to Chelsea, followed by matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City.
A repeat, however, is dependent on improvement against Bradford, with whom they drew 1-1 at home in early October.
“It’s really nice when you get to go to places like Chelsea, Tottenham or Swansea in the cup competitions,” Adams told reporters.
“It’s terrific for the fans, but it’s also great for the players to be able to play on such grounds.
“We need to overcome Bradford first, though. We played pretty well against them the other month and could have led in the first half, but we conceded late.”
Morecambe’s Vertu Trophy last-32 game against Lincoln City will be one of the games played next month.
The match, which will also take place at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10 at 7 p.m.
