KEEPING players happy was always going to be a big challenge for Worcester City boss Chris Cornes, who has a squad full of quality at his disposal.

But in a game where only eleven players can start, giving every individual the game time they want is nigh on impossible.

Cornes has often spoke about consistency and winning momentum, meaning he hasn't always made wholesale changes between the various competitions City find themselves in.

"Being involved in all these competitions is what you want but it gives you food for thought as a manager and keeps you on your toes," he said.

"But that is exactly why you have a big squad and luckily here we have 18/19 players. Ultimately, people are going to be left out for some games but that's football."

Having players that can make a difference off the bench is a luxury for Cornes. It is not a huge squad by any stretch but the options in reserve are of such a high standard that it's a case of 'quality not quantity'.

But every player is getting time on the pitch. Cornes often uses at least three subs in league games and he will occasionally tinker with the starting 11 between competitions.

Young keeper Joe Stockton was brought in on Tuesday for the Floodlit Cup fixture with Cheltenham Saracens, as well as the likes of Kyonn Evans, Lorcan Sheehan and Izak Reid, who have not played too much in recent weeks.

For Cornes, it is important to keep his players on side and now he believes he has a squad that is just happy to be winning, regardless of who plays.

"We have got to the middle of January and we haven't really lost anyone from the squad, the squad has stayed together and we haven't really added anyone either, aside from (Jordan) Lymn," he added.

"I don't like to change things. The squad is so good and it's such a good energy in the changing room, it's fantastic. Sometimes you can upset the squad when you bring a couple in and that's not what we want to do.

"Lads are disappointed when they are left out but they are always buzzing when we win games and that's what you want when you're in a squad. Everyone is happy."