Nicholls backed for major role

Chris Hutchings today insisted Alex Nicholls has a major part to play up front after the striker's recent revival.

Speculation had been mounting over the 22-year-old's future after he struggled to claim a regular starting berth.

But Nicholls has fought his way back into the starting line up and the boss says his patience has finally paid off.

"I've always known he's a striker and his been unfortunate. I said to him at the start of the season 'I want to play you as a striker'," said Hutchings.

"Last week (against Millwall) I felt it was right to put him back up front and he return the faith by scoring and putting in a very good performance.

"There have been times where we've had great results at Bristol Rovers and Leeds when he played down the middle and played very well.

"But then Tilly (Peter Till) got injured, Jonah (Steve Jones) was out and we didn't want to disrupt the midfield so we put Nics back on the right and moved (Darren) Byfield back up front. It's circumstances and scenarios you look at but he's doing well."