Gary McSheffrey believes January can be a big month for Scunthorpe in that additions to the squad can only help continue the Iron’s recent run of form.
Mark Robins brought in Norwich’s Jacob Murphy and Leicester’s Tom Hopper on loan on Thursday, both of which have impressed McSheffrey.He told The Iron Player: “Two or three good acquisitions in January can really give you that added bonus for the rest of the season.
“We’re on a good run of form at the minute and a few good signings can help us continue pushing up the league.”
McSheffrey, who signed for United this time last year, spoke of how last season’s winter transfer window “helped pull us over the line for promotion”.
He said: “Dave Syers and Marcus Williams made their loans permanent while me and Paddy also signed.
"That little bit of added quality was a real boost to the squad and hopefully that can happen again.”
Scunthorpe succumbed to a 2-2 draw against Chesterfield on Tuesday, having gone 2-0 up in the first half.
McSheffrey was disappointed to lose a two goal lead in the FA Cup encounter but is relishing the chance to put things right in next week’s replay.
“It’s obviously disappointing as we were in the driving seat,” he said.
"Although I don’t think anyone could say Chesterfield didn’t deserve a replay after their second half performance. They created a lot of chances and dominated the second 45 but being 2-0 at home we should be seeing the game out.”
The 32-year-old was quick to praise the resilience of the Iron’s defence in the FA Cup third round tie against the Spireites.
He continued: “The centre backs defended well and the goalkeeper was unbelievable for us.
"In the end we could’ve conceded more had it not been for Sam’s performance in between the sticks. We now have a second chance to go back there on Tuesday and start all over again.”
Scunthorpe’s festive period has not been as hectic as usual due to rearranged fixtures and the postponement of the Sheffield United game. This was a new experience for McSheffrey, who is used to playing a cluster of matches over Christmas.
He said: “It was a strange one. It’s never really happened to me before. It’s nice to see the family but we’re back now and the games are coming fast which is good. I look forward to it.”
Scunthorpe face Walsall on Saturday, a team the Iron beat 2-1 at home in August thanks to great individual goals from Adelakun and McSheffrey. This is the club’s first opportunity for a domestic double over a team in the 2014/15 campaign.
“It’d be nice to get a domestic double but they’ve had a few good results lately and they’ll be confident after beating Preston in the JPT,” said McSheffrey. “It’s going to be tough but we’re confident we can go there and get a result.”
After being asked if he sees himself getting on the score sheet again, he said: “It’d be nice to contribute in any way. A goal would be great but I’m happy with a good performance that helps us towards an away win – that’s the aim.”
The Iron are now unbeaten in ten following Tuesday’s result, but McSheffrey is not getting ahead of himself.
He stated: “We’ve just got to take one game at a time and deal with our opposition on the day. We feel we can compete with anyone in the league and we want to continue our run in the cup.”
See much more from Gary McSheffrey, Mark Robins and Liam O'Neil on The Iron Player.