IRON ARE FIRED UP AFTER PUTTING FEET UP
GRAHAM ALEXANDER says his Scunthorpe United players are in positive mood as they look to continue their impressive run of form.
Scunthorpe are battling it out with Sheffield United at the top of the division, and the manager believes his players are well set to maintain their push for promotion.
“The players are in a good place. They’re focused on what’s important,” explained Alexander.
The former Scotland international said the team was frustrated that last week’s clash with Charlton Athletic was called off and are now champing at the bit to get back on the pitch.
“Players love playing games. That’s why you work hard, that’s why you look after yourself physically, to have that light at the end of the tunnel of playing a game,” Alexander said.
“When that’s kept away from you, whether it’s you not being in the team or the game is cancelled, the next time you get that opportunity there’s always that extra zip in your play.
“I feel that from the players. We’ve felt that in training, but we always talk about the performance in games following on from training.”
The Iron have several players working their way back from injury, but Alexander said 23-year-old defender Conor Townsend, midfielder Jamie Ness, 25, and 31-year-old defender David Mirfin will not be rushed back into action.
The trio all made appearances in a game behind closed doors between Scunthorpe Under-23s and Leeds Under-23s on Tuesday.
“We looked after the boys who returned from injury, gave them the minutes we’d planned and everyone got through the game fine,” Alexander added.
“They’ve still not played a full game, but they are closer. We’ll have to look at how they are, but without playing a full game it could be a gamble.”