Notts County boss Luke Williams has explained that his side's performance in their FA Trophy win over Chorley has given him food for thought ahead of a return to National League action.
The Magpies welcome Oldham Athletic to Meadow Lane this Boxing Day, with the opportunity to take their points tally past the 100-point mark in their final league match of 2022.
Ahead of their fixture with the Latics, Notts booked their place in the fourth round of the trophy with a 2-1 win against the National League North side, with Williams making six changes from the side that beat Gateshead a week prior.
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Despite the number of alterations, many were surprised with the strength of the Magpies' side, with Kyle Cameron, Sam Austin, John Bostock, and Cedwyn Scott all featuring from the start.
The performance offered an opportunity for those limited to substitute appearances in the league to get some much-needed minutes ahead of a congested January fixture list.
And the Magpies boss explained that some of those players have provided a selection dilemma following their performances on the night, revealing his approval of both Aaron Nemane and Tobi Adebayo-Rowling's performances in the absence of Adam Chicksen.
"I think it does give me a decision to make because there were a number of good performances," explained Williams.
"Sam Austin was exceptional, to be honest, and it was very interesting to see both Aaron and Tobi adapt to life on the other side of the pitch.
"That was a very good exercise for us because we saw some very good deliveries into the box from the in-swinging type of cross which we don't see as much unless we see a midfield player advance.
"I found that food for thought for us and something we were keen to do, and the opportunity lent itself nicely."
"It's very important for the players to understand that when they go on the pitch and try to perform very well because myself and Ryan and all the other staff are interested in everything and every game, and we are keen to see the guys approach every training session and every game.
"These things depend on whether it is at home or away, whether it is in the league or the cup, and how the guys approach it, and when you approach a game in a really strong way, it can't but give us something to think about."
Since the start of the season, the Magpies boss has used 21 players in the league, with five of those players featuring in all 23 games so far this campaign.
The question of what is Notts' best starting line-up remains to be answered, with players such as Quevin Castro, Geraldo Bajrami, and Austin all pushing for regular game time following their performances in recent weeks.
And despite being at the Meadow Lane helm for almost six months, Williams insists that finding the right balance between player morale and picking a side to win continues to be the most challenging part of his job, highlighting Austin as an example.
"Absolutely, it's the most challenging part of the job and is the part of the job that is so time-consuming in terms of how much of your day is taken up thinking about what is best for all of the players and try to manoeuvre the players in and out of the team at the best possible time.
"I think also, Sam has pushed on in his game. He has become a better player, a stronger athlete in the weeks and months since the beginning of the summer.
"As the season goes on opinions change and players can become more regular if they are able to bring a higher level of performance on a consistent basis.
"That is how you become a player who plays regularly, it is about consistency and high performance together."
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