The Blues boss says he wants to strike a balance between changing too much and giving certain players important game time.

Keeper Mair has not played since the opening game of the season but he could come in for first-choice Adam Desbois in Saturday’s fourth round qualifying tie.

Elliot has also hinted at resting captain Morgan Feeney, with the skipper's potential replacements in defence including Tom Anderson and Kenton Richardson.

Asked on the scope for changes to Saturday’s XI at Brunton Park, Elliot told the News & Star: “The balance is that we don't want to change too much.

“But also when you consider Morgs [Feeney], he hasn't had a pre-season because of the issue with his calf, and he's played a lot of games.

“So you have to look at the likes of Morgs, and other lads who have done a lot of load.

Elliot has hinted that he could rest captain Morgan Feeney this weekend (Image: Richard Parkes)

“Adam Desbois is quite sore at the moment, and Archie [Mair] has been excellent in training.

“Archie gives us a physical profile in terms of crosses and his strengths and abilities.

“There will be options where we might look at whether players need games as well, because there's not many options to get players games to get fitness up.

“It’s also the balance of making sure that we have that fluidity in our performance, and also making sure we keep the right structure and defensive discipline that we’ve had.”

Kenton Richardson is among the players hoping for a call-up to the XI (Image: Richard Parkes)

If Elliot opts for further changes to his side it could bring the likes of Micah Obiero, Stephen Wearne, Callum Whelan and Cameron Harper into starting contention.

Josh Williams and Toby Mullarkey are also set to be back in the squad after illness and injury, Elliot has said.