Keith Curle hopes to have a selection dilemma when Neal Bishop returns from suspension.
Bishop, an ever-present in the Magpies’ line-up this season, but will be missing for the next three games, against Hartlepool United, Stevenage and Crewe Alexandra, through suspension.
The Magpies are blessed wealth of options in the midfield area and the likes of Joss Labadie, Gavin Mahon and Hamza Bencherif have eagerly awaited an opportunity.
Gary Liddle, who has performed in defence this term, could also fill the gap, which may open the door for players such as Manny Smith, Krystian Pearce and Julian Kelly.
Curle has challenged whoever plays to show why they should hold onto their spot, beginning with the weekend’s npower League 1 encounter away at Hartlepool United.
“I want the players that come in, perform and keep their place in the team,” he told the press.
“Then, the players that lose their position will have to earn their right to get back into the team.
“With the team selection for Saturday, hopefully we can go on a winning run now, whereby players can’t get back in the team.”
This weekend’s opponents, the Pools, are currently bottom of the league but Curle is not expecting them to be pushovers.
“I saw them play at Sheffield United and I thought they were excellent,” he continued.
“They beat a very good Sheffield United team on that day 2-0.
“They’ve had a few changes since then but there’s a fighting spirit there, because they know they need results and they’re desperate to do well.
"It's very important that we don't just go there thinking that because we've got a very good away record that we can turn up and get the points.
“We're going to have to earn everything we get against Hartlepool."
Look out for further coverage in the Nottingham Post and on Radio Nottingham's pre-match show.
To view the full press conference with the manager, sign in to Magpie Player.