ACCRINGTON Stanley may be forced into defensive changes if Chris Butler doesn't win his fitness battle.

The young full back sustained a knock to his calf against Canvey Island last weekend, which threatens to rule him out of tomorrow's trip to struggling Forest Green Rovers.

Ged Brannan is also doubtful after being withdrawn from Saturday's 1-0 win with an Achilles problem.

But Stanley manager John Coleman has more than enough faith in those waiting in the wings to fill any potential gaps.

And he is happy to have fringe players who are eager to feature knocking on his door.

"Players want to play. I know that from when I was a player. If there are any who don't then you don't want them in your side," Coleman said.

"I don't expect anyone to be happy when they're not playing.

"They have to accept it's a squad game, but the lads know if they work hard and they take their chance when it comes they will stay in the side.

"A good example of that is Steve Flitcroft. He's done well since he came in."

But while he is keen to keep his players happy and match fit, he is reluctant to send any more of his squad out on loan, especially after losing Irish winger Paul Carvill this week.

"It was just difficult trying to get him in the side," he said.

"The lad was patient enough but felt as though he would benefit more from going back to Ireland.

"Sending players out on loan is an option for getting them games, but you're only allowed two players out at a time."

Stanley have filled that quota with striker Lutel James at Droylsden and central defender Steve Halford at Radcliffe Borough.

Coleman added: "We haven't got a very big squad now and it only takes a couple of injuries or suspensions and you are down to the bare bones."

Meanwhile, the Stanley chief hopes the momentum of Saturday's win will spill over into tomorrow's game at The Lawn.

Forest Green have had a poor start to the season but are enjoying a recent upturn in form.

However, Coleman is keen to upset their revival and cement his side's place in the top five.

"They've been doing all right as of late, but it's all about how we perform," the Reds boss said.

"If we can play at our best we can be a match for anybody.

"It was a very frustrating game there last year because we didn't start well. We'd got caught cold and were 2-0 down after 20 minutes, but we improved as the game went on and had a stonewall penalty turned down in the last minute.

"But the lads have worked hard this week and I think if we win the next two games we could go second, but we're not looking that far ahead."

The lads know if they take their chance they will stay in the side