NOTTS County boss Craig Short wishes the Magpies were not playing Sheffield Wednesday in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Hillsborough tonight.

He insists the competition is lowest on the Magpies' priority list for this season.

"We're obviously not treating it as seriously as the league and the Carling Cup," he said. "We have to field six players who have played the majority of games this year, so we have to field a strong side, although we have one or two injury doubts from the weekend's game.

Looking ahead to the Yeovil game too, it would be nice to rest players because of the travelling we have done and the amount of games we have played.

"We want to win the game, we are three games undefeated and I want to keep that run going, but I'd rather not play it. It's come at the wrong time."

Short revealed goalkeeper Rob Burch, who began the season as Short's first-choice keeper, will start against his former club.

The 26-year-old, who spent a season at Hillsborough, has been sidelined since he broke a toe in the Magpies' first league game of the season against Huddersfield Town.

He will replace Stuart Nelson, who will be rested after playing the last three league matches and both Carling Cup ties in Burch's absence.

Short also said on-loan Birmingham City pair Jake Jervis and Luke Hubbins will both start against the Owls.

Stephen Hunt was set to play, but suffered a hamstring injury in training yesterday, and midfielder Neal Bishop is a doubt with a foot injury.

"We have one or two players who have got knocks, and Hunty suffered a slight hamstring injury in training, which is a shame because he was going to play," added Short.

"(Lee) Hughes isn't ready yet, so we'll try to get him ready for the weekend. He could have played in the tie at a push.

"It's a lovely stadium to go and play at. It was one of my favourite grounds. It's a big, big pitch and a good surface.

"They have to play a strong side as well so we can pit ourselves against a top team, but I'd still rather do without it."