Burton Albion will give more game time to trialists Elliot Hodge and Luke McCormick in their upcoming friendlies as they continue to assess the pair ahead of the new season.
Former Notts County winger Hodge impressed in a lively first-half performance for the Brewers in Tuesday's 2-1 win at Kidderminster Harriers, when he started centrally and was also used out wide.
Ex-Nottingham Forest forward McCormick then came off the bench late in the second half and scored Albion's last-gasp winner, converting a calm finish from Matty Lund's cross.
Both could feature in Saturday's Bass Charity Vase clash with Aston Villa at the Pirelli Stadium (3pm).
"I think we have to look at him (Hodge) a little bit more, and we'll try to - we might even start him on Saturday," said Nigel Clough.
"When you don't know a player as well, it's a little bit about trying to get a position.
"He's played in two or three different ones. Whether he can do the middle midfield work in a two or a three, we're not sure, but he looked quite comfortable wide of a four on Tuesday.
"So we'll keep looking at him.
"We've got three more games in the next week, so we'll have a look at him in those and then make a decision from there.
Burton Albion catch-up
"We are a bit light on bodies, so we'll what happens in the next week.
"We are going to ask Luke to do the same.
"He's a bit younger, and I think possibly he's a bit similar to what we've got.
"But we'll see if Luke can hang around for a little bit, and once again, take part in the next three games."
Albion currently have 17 outfield players under contract for the upcoming season - and that is around the squad size that Clough is looking to work with in League One.
The Brewers boss has previously suggested that any more incomings for his side will only happen if players leave.
So does that apply to the possible signing of trialists as well, with Hodge, McCormick and Tomas Egert all currently free agents and looking to impress with views to a possible deal?
"It will count for the trialists as well," added Clough.
"Marcus Dinanga has gone out on loan, so that helps, with one out.
"And we would think there will be another one out, which there would have to be before we can bring anyone in, including those three."
