Linwood determined to be on the winning side of cup clash
Linwood has been Town's only regular centre-back in recent weeks following Ryan Bennett's departure to Peterborough and a groin injury to Robert Atkinson.
But Southampton loan centre-back Ollly Lancashire's dismissal against Accrington Stanley means further changes could be in store for both tomorrow's cup clash against Bath and the trip to Leeds United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.
Town caretaker boss Neil Woods has not delved into the loan market again following Lancashire's red card last Saturday as Atkinson has recovered from injury and may have done enough this week in training to get the nod.
Linwood, who joined the Mariners from Chester City in the summer, admitted the changes to Town's defence through injuries and suspensions have not been welcome.
He said: "It's not been ideal, and it's happened since the start of the season when Rob got injured, so we've been mixing and matching everywhere.
"Olly did great at Bournemouth and was really unlucky to get sent off against Accrington, but I think Rob is fit again on Saturday so he is a ready-made replacement.
"You get used to playing alongside someone from game to game, but Rob is probably the man I'm most used to partnering at the back.
"But when Olly's suspension is up you've got competition for places again, which is healthy.
Linwood, voted Chester's Player of the Year in the 2007/08 season, was pleased with his performance in the 2-2 draw against Accrington – a result which ended a run of five consecutive league defeats for the Mariners.
"I still think there is a lot more to come from me to be honest," the 26-year-old said.
"After I got the bang on the head in the defeat at Barnet I felt I had a blip in form, but I think against Accrington I was close to being back at my best.
"So hopefully I'm at the start of a good run of form for myself."
Linwood featured in the Chester side which lost 3-0 at home to Millwall in the first round of the FA Cup last season. Town striker Adrian Forbes was an unused substitute for the Lions in that match.
Now Linwood is determined to be on the winning side – and is pleased to have Forbes in his own team this time around.
"I have been knocked out twice in successive years for Chester in the FA Cup and there is nothing worse than going out in the first round.
"I've played against him (Forbes) many times in my career and hate the sight of him in the opposition team.
"After scoring against Accrington he's absolutely buzzing in training at the moment and his experience is a great asset to the team.
"The Bath game is one we should win and we are looking forward to it.
"After a good late point at Accrington, in a game we deserved more in, I can honestly say the place is bouncing."
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