GRIMSBY Town's bosses have their biggest selection headache of the entire campaign ahead of the FA Trophy final.
The Mariners had suffered their biggest blip of the season going into the Wembley showdown, losing four matches in a row.
Throw injuries, ineligibility, comebacks and illness into the mix, and the co-managers have some big decisions to make.
"I would have loved to had 18 players all performing well and giving us a positive selection headache," said Rob Scott.
"That's not the case so we will be selecting a team that we feel is appropriate for Sunday.
"It's never nice leaving people out but it's made it a little bit easier because nobody has forced our hand on that front."
With Tom Naylor ineligible after joining on loan after the first leg of the semi-final, Derek Niven's return from an adductor tendon injury could solve a problem in centre-midfield.
However, the Scot only resumed training yesterday after more than two weeks on the sidelines.
"Derek is all right but whether he is going to be right for Sunday, we'll have to look at that right up to the last minute," added Scott.
"He's probably pushing it and we've got to err on the side of caution even if he does declare himself fit. We can't go into it 50 or 60 per cent, we need to be right.
"Is he up to game-pace? No, not by a long chalk. So whether he is ready we'll have to wait and see.
"Frankie Artus is available and so is Andi Thanoj, so we've got a few options in there if not."
Centre-half Shaun Pearson sat out training yesterday with a knock, while left-back Aswad Thomas has been ill this week.
And striker Liam Hearn continued his comeback with a 60-minute outing for Town's Reserves on Wednesday.
"For Liam, it's looking a little way off," said Scott.
"He'll be in the travelling squad but whether he's in the match-day 16 is a bit of a guessing game."
