Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Coutts eyes winning run ahead of Imps clash
we’re a slightly different side to what we were last season, so we’re still bedding in, really.
“But as soon as we can get on a winning run and get a good home run going, hopefully, the better and that will breed new confidence throughout this group.
“It will be nice to be back at the Mem. Hopefully, we can get a win and get a little run together.”
Lincoln sit in 16th place in League One, two places and two points ahead of Rovers after eight games. Mark Kennedy’s Imps travel south buoyed by Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Derby County at Sincil Bank.
Coutts has had a frustrating start to the season, missing the first three games due to a suspension that carried over from the previous campaign, which has meant he has been slightly behind schedule in getting up to full match fitness.
But, with six appearances and 315 minutes under his belt, the 34-yearold is back into the swing of things.
“It was a long pre-season and you’ve got to serve your bans when you get them, unfortunately,” he added. “It took a bit of time, but it is what it is. I’m up and running now and I’m fighting for a jersey.
“The gaffer has to prepare a team to start the season and, not being available, you’re not really in the running for that. I was getting minutes in pre-season here and there. I played in the Chippenham game, but after that the build-up focus turns to the start of the season. You just have to wait and I’m up and running now and feeling good.”
With competition high in midfield this season, Coutts has not started every game, sharing captaincy duties with Sam Finley. Should Coutts be selected today, he will relish the feeling of emerging from the tunnel first and turning to acknowledge the Thatchers Terrace.
“It’s a huge honour, whether you’re playing or not playing,” he said. “Whoever leads the boys out on Saturday in front of the crowd, especially at the Mem, it’s a fantastic honour.
“For me personally, it’s one of those things where you hope for 11 captains on the pitch, it doesn’t matter who is wearing the armband. We’ve got good leadership on the pitch and hopefully we can rely on that on Saturday because there are going to be some young boys out there and we’re a bit fragmented at the back end of the team, so hopefully we’ll have enough leadership to get through that.”
Yeovil Town midfielder Callum Rowe faces up to six weeks out after picking up an injury.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the home match against Chesterfield this afternoon, Glovers boss Chris Hargreaves confirmed that the former Aston Villa man faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
“Callum Rowe has an injury that will keep him out for potentially six weeks, which is a big blow,” revealed the Huish Park chief.
Sam Perry is another injury worry for Hargreaves, having suffered a concussion. He missed out on Tuesday evening against Eastleigh.
Former Cheltenham youngster Will Dawes is yet to be seen in a matchday squad, but Hargreaves confirmed the winger is “getting up to speed” and is “close” to being involved.