Peter Taylor admits that taking the loan route with rookies is not ideal.

But he feels City have had no other choice because of the crippling injury list at times this season.

Long-term casualties Simon Ramsden and Michael Flynn are still at least two months away from a return to action. Other absentees have also hit Taylor’s selection plans hard, particularly in the back four.

City have fielded 28 different players already, with Taylor dipping heavily into the temporary market.

Watford youngster Rob Kiernan and Burnley right back Richard Eckersley are the most recent arrivals, following in the footsteps of Manchester United pair Oliver Gill and Reece Brown.

While Taylor is happy to give youth its chance, his arm has been twisted because of the number of bodies stuck in sick bay.

“We’ve been a bit unlucky with that situation,” he said. “We’ve been forced to get young lads on loan because of the injuries we’ve had in some areas.

“The majority of teams we face are more experienced than us, so it’s not ideal.”

Republic of Ireland under-19 captain Kiernan and former Old Trafford trainee Eckersley, who cost Burnley £500,000 16 months ago, have decent pedigree but senior opportunities have been limited for both youngsters before they came to Valley Parade.

Taylor added: “Both are good players but they are learning the game. All of a sudden, you’ve got new names in the changing room again and it takes time.

“It’s a good experience for young players but they’ve also got to be strong enough to be able to handle it.

“In both (league) games, Rob and Richard have shown some good things for us but there have also been some not-so-good moments which is going to happen as they learn.”

City’s free weekend will help clear up the knocks and minor niggles in the squad. Steve Williams could also be an outside contender for next week’s trip to Aldershot.

Taylor said: “He’s got half a chance of making that game. There are quite a lot of little injuries at the moment but they should clear up.

“You’re still looking at two more months at least with Ramsden and Flynn. But Hunty (Lewis Hunt) could be back in two to three weeks.”