Wayne Routledge has been backed by his team mates to make the most of his chance thanks to Nathan Dyer’s three match ban
Dyer will start his three match ban following his red card at Wigan on Saturday and now misses games against Manchester City, Fulham and Everton giving Routledge the chance to stake his claim for a spot in the side.
“It’ll be obviously disappointing to be without Nathan – but we’ve got a great player to come in for him,” Leon Britton told the Western Mail. “Wayne could get his chance on Sunday and if he does he’ll be desperate to take it.
“It would be hard for anyone to try and kick Nath and Scotty out of the team.
“But I think Wayne showed, especially around the turn of the year when he had a little run in the team, that he was brilliant.
“He’s been so good in training, never moaned and we all know the ability he’s got. The squad’s about pushing each other and he’s definitely been doing that this season.
“He’s been patient and now he’s going to get a chance and I’m sure he’ll show what he can do.”
And Britton’s words were echoed by striker Danny Graham
“Nath being out will be a big loss, but it will give someone a chance to come into the team – and we’ve got Wayne Routledge, who is itching to play,” said frontman Graham.
“He has proved his worth over the season as well. If Nath is out for three games then we have a great replacement in Wayne to come in and do a great job for us.
“When he’s been in he’s supplied goals too so hopefully he can show that against Man City.”