Megson accentuates fringe benefits

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Megson admits it is a dilemma trying to pick specific teams for specific games and cites the case of Steve Coppell last season when the Reading boss intimated that his fast-improving side were not ready for Europe.

Megson said: "Some thought it was a bit strange for Steve to say what he did. But he was fully aware of the squad he had and the problems Europe would create. So we are in a similar situation although we have been in the Premier League a lot longer than Reading."

While a victory is almost essential in Belgrade if the Trotters are to progress from the group stages, Megson is more concerned about domestic matters.

That is why he has ordered six key players to rest up ahead of the home game against fellow strugglers Wigan on Sunday.

Nicolas Anelka, Kevin Davies, Kevin Nolan, Andy O'Brien, Ricardo Gardner and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen have all remained at home.

He added: "Given where we are in the league we have to prioritise. It's a must."

Megson took the squad training on Wednesday night - on an outside pitch rather than the main Red Star one which was heavy - and insisted his stand-ins can do the job.

He continued: "The ones who are here are all well paid. They all want to play in the first team.

"This is an opportunity for them to show what they can do. Everyone is part of the squad and have a chance to stake a claim in the team. While the league is our priority, we want to do as well as we can in the UEFA Cup."