Mark Robins is looking forward to the Iron’s first match in nearly two weeks when they take on Chesterfield on Tuesday.
United host the Spireites in the third round of the FA Cup, at Glanford Park, and the Scunthorpe boss says his players are eager to resume their good form.“I think they are chomping at the bit to get back out there,” he told The Iron Player, speaking at his press conference ahead of the clash.
“Players want to play and training is a means to an end. We have been ticking over, but we haven’t been able to get on grass, just indoor on the astroturf, which is not ideal.
“It was a shock that we had snow (on the Sheffield United postponement) and it was disappointing to have that game called off. Knowing we were not going to have a game on the 3rd because of the Chesterfield/MK Dons situation was doubly frustrating. It gave us a bit of time and the players have had New Year off so now I expect them to repay us.”
Chesterfield beat MK Dons in the second round replay on Friday night and Robins and his staff were in the stands to assess their opposition and he is expecting a testing tie.
He stated: “We went to the game and saw two decent teams playing in a decent cup tie and Chesterfield deservedly came out on top. I thought they played well and, having won in the first place, it must have been a difficult situation for them.
“Whoever we would have faced, they were always going to give us a stern test. Chesterfield will prove a real handful.
“It will be a great cup tie, I believe they are bringing 2,000 supporters. Their supporters are excellent and they get behind their side and they will be delighted to be in the third round and hopeful they will progress.”
The FA Cup draw took place on Monday evening and Robins thinks it will make it even more competitive knowing who the winner will face in the fourth round.
“The other side of the coin is the draw on Monday, so knowing who we will get will throw a bit more spice into the mix,” he stated.
“Playing under floodlights always makes it extra special, when I played I always enjoyed the evening games under floodlights and it is slightly different not to be playing in the FA Cup on a Saturday but you have to be ready and we are looking forward to it.”
The two sides have already met twice this season, with United losing one and winning one and Robins admits his side will have to be on their game if they want a positive result, crediting a couple of the Spireites’ star men.
The manager added: “It depends on what side Paul Cook plays, he has a good squad at his disposal. There’s obvious candidates for everyone to see, Eoin Doyle and Gary Roberts, who I have always liked, he is a good player.
“There’s others in that side and they have some good players throughout. We have to make sure we are ready.”
See much more from Mark Robins and Andrew Boyce on The Iron Player.