Last updated at 12:13, Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Greg Abbott has given his “shattered” players two days off after claiming Carlisle’s gruelling run of games took its toll against Scunthorpe.

Greg Abbott

Abbott claimed his side were lacking “zest” in the goalless draw but refused to be critical of his promotion-chasers.

The United manager now hopes his troops can recharge their batteries before preparing for a huge showdown with champions-elect Charlton this Saturday.

“They are mentally and physically shattered,” Abbott said. “They are on their knees and they need a rest.”

The Blues boss made a double substitution, bringing on Andy Welsh and Jordan Cook in the second half, in a bid to boost United’s prospects against Alan Knill’s stubborn side.

Abbott added: “You look at some big teams who don’t let their big players play two games in a month, never mind in four days.

“We probably could have done with the resources and all the things that go with it – the sauna baths, the cool baths, the rehydration and recuperation.

“We haven’t got those luxuries.

“We’re just honest Joes that get on the bus, travel, play, come back and try our best. Maybe it caught up with us here.”

The Blues boss insisted his side were denied a “blatant” penalty in the second half, when Lee Miller went down under David Mirfin’s challenge.

That featured in a frustrating refereeing display from South Yorkshire official Jock Waugh. “I told Jock I didn’t think he had the best of games, and he was alright with that,” Abbott said.

“His comeback was to say my team wasn’t as brilliant as they usually are. Fair play to him for that.”

Abbott recalled Lubo Michalik to his side yesterday in the absence of Chris Chantler, as Peter Murphy moved to left-back.

On Matty Robson, another candidate for the left-back slot, the manager said: “Matty’s not match-fit. He’s going to plod along and see where he gets to.”

The Blues boss is now in the top 10 longest-serving managers in the country after Crawley’s Steve Evans joined Rotherham.

First published at 11:31, Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk