Injured Stags pair to return for big six-pointer?

Both missed Saturday’s win at Morecambe, Pearce with an ankle strain and Collins with a hamstring tweak.

But both are on the mend and could provide Evans with a full squad for the big six-pointer.

Boss Steve Evans today said: “I think for sure Krystian will be fit.

“It was a tough decision for last weekend. He is a very experienced lad and he’s been great for me since I walked in.

“I watched him train on Thursday and on Thursday night I thought he would play. But on Friday I watched him be a bit tentative.

“Sometimes that’s a mixture of a player of experience just getting through or a player who is just protecting a little bit.

“Facing a Jim Bentley side you can never be tentative or anything other than 100 per cent.”

Kyle Howkins stepped in to deputise for Pearce and Evans said: “Apart from one mistake a little wobble for five or six minutes afterwards I thought Kyle was terrific. But we should look at Krystian being back in the fold by Saturday.

“We should have Lee Collins on the grass tomorrow and we’ll see how he shapes up Thursday/Friday.”

Pearce and Collins celebrated the Mansfield win together in the stand at Morecambe and Evans added: “We’ve said we are together on the pitch and off the pitch.

“It doesn’t matter who wears the shirt, they have to go out there and give their all for the cause.”