Graham Alexander says his players will need to turn in a strong performance if they’re to get past Morecambe in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Alexander expects the Shrimps to make things difficult at Glanford Park, but the Iron boss stated it’s a good challenge for the squad to try and overcome.Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “I’ve come up against Morecambe a few times, and Jim Bentley has always got a gameplan and good players in his group.
“It will be a tough game, and they’ll be coming here to win also. We’ll have to be ready, and it’ll be a chance for one or two of the boys to come into the team and show us what they can do again.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing those boys perform, because they’re training ever so well at the moment.”
United have been afforded extra recuperation time after their home draw with Oxford United, and Alexander believes the break could prove vital, especially in the busy upcoming festive period.
“Only time will tell. Sometimes I think playing every three days, when the results are going well and the players are in a good place takes care of itself,” he explained.
“I do think that can only last a certain period of time before you need a breather. Either on the weekend, or being free in mid-week.
“This has both, with having no mid-week game or no Saturday game. I think it’s been beneficial and come just at the right time for the players.
“I don’t think they were in need of a break, but it just gives us a chance to take a break, mentally as well as physically.”
David Mirfin and Stephen Dawson still remain the two major injury concerns for the Scunthorpe manager, with Alexander revealing both are still not ready to return to action.
“Mirf (David Mirfin) will still be out for a while with his foot injury. He’s moving a lot better than he was a couple of weeks ago, he’s a lot freer,” Alexander revealed.
“Stephen Dawson has still got his boot on. I’m reluctant to put a timeframe on it, because I’ve been wrong in the past doing these things.
“It’s not as long term as David’s, so hopefully we can get him back quicker than that. The actual timeframe of him returning is unknown at this stage.”
See much more from Graham Alexander, Josh Morris and Scott Wiseman on The Iron PlayerHD.
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