Forest Green Rovers boss Robbie Savage is hoping for a positive response from captain Laurent Mendy after the star was left out of the squad against Boreham Wood for the first time this season.
Mendy’s dip in form followed interest from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts last month, with the New Lawn hierarchy rejecting a bid that could have tempted the player away.
Savage is now looking for a rejuvenated Mendy as Rovers aim to cement their place in the National League play-offs ahead of tonight’s home clash with in-form Boston United.
“I want a reaction, obviously the Hearts thing affected him. I want to see the Mendy that has been one of the best players in the league,” said Savage.
“If I see that willingness to fight for us and want to be here, then Mendy’s a brilliant person. This is his first year as a full-time footballer. He hasn’t come through the system or had all the coaching other players have had, so he’s learning. Like me, as a manager, it’s our first full year-mine as a manager, his as a player-which is quite remarkable.
“He deals with things in different ways, and there has to be empathy and humility because he’s a great kid. I want the Mendy with that beaming smile, that aura, who’s one of the best players in the league. But I needed him to be that. I needed to be that for him and for the group.”
