Manager Neil Harris held his pre Scunthorpe United press conference on Friday afternoon and youngster Sid Nelson was also interviewed ahead of the game.
Travelling to Glanford Park for this weekend’s League One action later today, Harris called on the team to ‘turn the tide’ given recent results as we face the current table toppers.
Speaking to the official site as he met with the wider media in his pre game obligations, Harris explained that it was time for a result that matched the performance again.
And failing that, show a ‘strong reaction’ and get the points inspite of the performance.
‘My players are stinging from our defeat to Shrewsbury. It was a real sucker-punch, they scored with virtually their only shot of the game. But that type of thing is happening to us at the moment and we need to put it right. Scunthorpe also lost to Rochdale last time out and you can bet that in the same way I am calling for a reaction from my players that our opponents will be given exactly the same message.’
With some calling Scunthorpe’s form so far this year a surprise, Harris was non plussed as he knows how good a side they are and that they are benefiting from stability over the summer.
‘They have kept a consistent team over the summer, didn’t lose anybody and only added quality to their squad. They have a settled side and they are at the top of the League, that speaks volumes. They have proved they can score goals, but so have we. We will have to be tight at the back to shut out their strikers.’
In terms of team news, changes are expected as we had Shaun Hutchinson back in action for the Under 23s but it’s unlikely he’ll be risked this quickly, but Byron Webster and Steve Morison will have been assessed late on yesterday for their possible inclusion.
‘Byron Webster has been struggling with a hamstring niggle and this game may come too soon for him. Same too for Shaun Hutchinson and Steve Morison, but we will just have to see. They are three key players in this group and it will be good to have them back sooner rather than later.’
As for centre half Nelson, in his own interview with the official site he said he was pleased to be back in action following his injury lay off and he spoke of it being a ‘frustrating but humbling’ experience.
With him clearing his knee injury and finding himself back in the mix, featuring in the three games in six days with the senior side, he remains in contention for Scunthorpe and he explained.
‘To have three games in a week was tough, but I am glad I got through it. I am just glad to be back playing again and making up for lost time after missing part of the season.’
As for the recent run of results, he added.
‘We are all rested and ready to go for this one. It’s been good for me to play a few games now because on Saturday against Scunthorpe we will all have to be sharp. We want to be climbing up that table and this match against Scunthorpe will be a good test for us. They are a very strong attacking side and we will have to be tight at the back to return home with the points.’
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