Avenue have committed to an extra pre-season friendly and manager Carl Shutt is hoping the benefits of Monday evening's meeting with his old club Sheffield Wednesday will be plentiful.

The Owls are sending a youthful side and Shutt will be scrutinising their players more than the performances of his own men.

"I still have a lot of contacts at Wednesday and there is a chance of me taking a player or two on loan from them," said Avenue boss Shutt.

"That is more or less why the match has been arranged. I have been speaking to the coaching staff over there and they have no objections to it.

"It can be the ideal scenario for some of the players because of their age. Once they pass 19 they can no longer play for the academy.

"The clubs don't want to release them because they have invested a lot of time and effort in them. They have all shown potential and could turn out to be top-class players.

"Loaning them out for a few months, or even a full season, is a favourable option. The players will get regular football in a good team at a decent standard."

Shutt hopes Monday's adventure bares fruit because he still wants to add to his squad of first-teamers.

After appointing a new reserve team boss and giving his backing to the existing youth-team coaches, Shutt has seen an influx of players but insists his side will not feel the benefit of that this season.

"We have had people ringing up all through the closed season," added Shutt.

"From schoolboys asking for a trial to experienced lads wanting to come along and train with us.

"It's great to have that interest and it's important that we look at all these kids properly. We won't turn anyone away without giving them the opportunity to show us what they can do.

"The whole set-up of the club is improving but it will be a couple of years before that reaches the first team. We want to continue to attract the talented youngsters of the area and even further afield if possible.

"The plan is to get a conveyor belt going and get some home-grown lads moving through the teams.

"But it takes time and that is something we haven't got. We have moved up a division and we need extra players now, that's why I'm hoping something comes from this arrangement with Sheffield."

l As a 'Thank You' to the supporters who turned up in numbers to watch Avenue's previous three home friendlies, admission charges have been reduced to £4 (adults) and £2 (concessions).

Season tickets will be on sale on Monday night priced £130 for adults and £60 for concessions.