Ian Evatt says things are looking up on the injury front but admitted several players are not yet ready to be thrust into League One action.

The Whites carried over some injuries from the back end of last season, which was a particularly demanding one due to progression in the cup competitions as well as the play-off campaign.

Luke Southwood, George Johnston, Chris Forino, Will Forrester, Jack Iredale, Aaron Morley, Dion Charles and Dan Nlundulu all got minutes under their belts for the B Team against Stoke City’s youngsters on Tuesday afternoon to build up their sharpness.

“The only ones we are missing are the ones who are still short of match fitness really,” Evatt explained.

“We had an opportunity to give some minuets to some of them in a B Team fixture on Tuesday.

“Obviously, there are the cup fixtures which will give us an opportunity to give them game time as well.

“Some of them, even though they are back fit now, aren’t quite ready to play in this type of fixture.”

Supporters have been pleased to see Johnston back in action during pre-season after spending the best part of a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

However, Evatt maintained that Wanderers must be cautious with the defender as he continues to build up his sharpness.

“We have to manage expectations with George,” the manager explained. “Unfortunately, I am the party pooper who has to show some realism.

“He has not played for over 12 months. He has played some pre-season fixtures but they are not quite the same intensity as the league fixtures.

“George isn’t quite back to where we need him to be yet and he is frustrated by that. We have had some honest conversations where his frustration can sometimes boil over because he just wants to help us win.

“But he needs to realise this is a long process and he is nearly there. There will be opportunities for him to keep building on his fitness, sharpness, game movements and decision making.

“That will come but, for now, I just urge a little bit of caution. The most important thing is George and his health, well-being and fitness.”

Wanderers kick off the new campaign with a trip to Leyton Orient and Evatt says the squad is raring to go.

“It’s a tough place to start,” he said. “I obviously know Richie (Wellens) really well, I know his teams really well.

“They are always hard to beat and always competitive. Last season was a disappointing performance from us there and we know we need to be better than that.

“But we are ready for it, we are excited. We have worked very hard in pre-season and are chomping at the bit so to speak, ready to go and put on a performance.”