Michael Doyle keeps Notts County fans guessing ahead of Wrexham clash

Notts County assistant head coach Michael Doyle has not ruled out dusting off his boots if he is needed in the coming weeks.

The former Coventry City captain took a step back from his playing duties at the end of last season to concentrate on coaching.

But he signed on as a player in the summer just in case he was required in the case of an injury crisis with the former Portsmouth midfielder an immensely popular figure with supporters.

With Matt Palmer set to miss Friday night's game against Wrexham in the FA Trophy and with the club being able to name seven substitutes' bench, there is a chance he could be added.

And asked whether he would be ready to play if called upon, he did not rule it out.

"Looking at the lads at Solihull, I am more than confident going into the game with the squad of players that we have," he said.

"They have all worked hard for opportunities. Let's see where it takes us. Obviously, the squad is quite thin at the minute.

"You never know if you're needed to come in and sit on the bench or whatever.

"We can do that, but we'll see what happens over the next couple of days and how people are injury-wise.

"We might have a couple of back, and I don't think there's too many too far away, hopefully.

"I don't want to drag it out. I signed on as a player so that if I was needed that I'm there. It hasn't come to that yet, but we'll see as we go on. You never know."

With Palmer and Elisha Sam both set to miss Friday night's quarter-final clash with Wrexham due to illness, Notts are hopeful that Richard Brindley will be able to return.

The defender picked up a knock in the 3-1 defeat at Chesterfield and has missed the last two games.

Head coach Ian Burchnall has used the Trophy to give minutes to his fringe