Iron boss Graham Alexander states his players will be aiming to get back to winning ways, when they take on Middlesbrough at Glanford Park in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Port Vale inflicted United’s first league defeat since April at the weekend, but for Alexander it’s all about getting back on track - starting with Boro on Tuesday evening.Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “Whatever competition it’s in, we’re representing Scunthorpe, and we have to make sure everybody sees we care about the club, our careers and our jobs.
“We’ve got a professionalism about us which ensures we take care in everything we take part in, and this game is no different to that. We’ve prepared the same as what we would for any other game, and every player out there is looking to win the match - we can’t approach anything in any other way, apart from setting out to win.
“We’re obviously massively disappointed with the result on Saturday, and I think there were reasons for that - with the workload the players have had in the past few weeks.
“The game has gone now though, and we have to concentrate on Tuesday, and make sure there’s no hangover from the disappointments of Saturday."
Despite the youthful nature of the side which Scunthorpe will face on Tuesday night, the Iron manager believes they come with a real sprinkling of quality and says it’ll be a good challenge for the squad.
“All the academys now, they have many good players within their ranks, and I think this competition will benefit those players,” he stated.
“It’s a little bit of a break from the norm for us as well, to compete against these sort of teams, and I’ve always found the competition a good one for the clubs."
On the injury front, Alexander says striker Kevin van Veen has recovered from the knock he sustained at Vale Park on Saturday, and expects him to play some part against Boro.
He had good news too regarding Paddy Madden and Sam Mantom, as well as other longer term casualties such as Jamie Ness and Luke Williams.
“Kevin (van Veen) is fine - he’ll be in the squad for Tuesday,” he revealed.
“Paddy (Madden) and Sam (Mantom) will be in the squad again as well. It’s great to have those two back, and we’re looking forward to getting Jamie Ness back, along with Luke Williams too.
“Hopefully by the next league game we will have Jamie Ness and Luke Williams available."
See much more from Graham Alexander and David Mirfin on the Iron PlayerHD.
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