On loan full-back Harry Toffolo described his delight at returning to the side against Millwall last weekend.
After he was initially sidelined with a knee injury, the 21-year-old deputised faultlessly for the injured Conor Townsend in the victory over the Lions.Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD about his return, Toffolo said: “It was great to get back into a winning team.
“The performance from every single one of the lads was fantastic, and the buzz was great. It’s something you need, going into two massive games against Bradford and Bolton.”
Reflecting on his time spent out of the team, Toffolo admits it was a naturally difficult period, but stated watching his team-mates rack up the wins softened the blow a little.
“I’d say it was frustrating, but you have to be professional with what you do,” he explained.
“You have to support the team. Conor (Townsend) was doing great when I was out, and I was there to support him - likewise with the other boys in the team.
“It’s not great sat in the physio room, however you’ve got to work hard and I feel that’s paying off now.
“I’ve got the shirt, and it’s now about me keeping it.”
Whilst others would have let the setback disrupt them, the defender says it’s not in his nature to give up, and he went on to highlight that hard work and endeavour always pays off in the end.
“You could throw your toys out of the pram, but I’m not about that. I’m about working hard and getting my place back in the side,” Toffolo stated.
“Scunthorpe is a great place to be at. It’s such a tight-knit group, the management staff are great and have been great with me.
“It’s something I owe to them really, that I go out there and do my bit in training to make sure that I get back in the side.”
Competition is rife throughout the United squad, and it’s no different in the left-back position, with Toffolo and Conor Townsend both vying for one spot.
He believes that constant battle for selection keeps everyone on their toes - a huge factor in Scunthorpe’s strong campaign so far.
“Conor’s a fantastic player, and everywhere in this team there’s someone who can take your shirt,” he insisted.
“That’s probably why we’re doing as well as we are now, because someone will be there if you don’t perform, you’re a bit off in training, or unfortunately if you get injured.
“Someone will be there to take it and do a good job and continue the winning. It’s down to me now to work hard and keep my place in the side.”
Toffolo is relishing the upcoming festive fixtures and, with a trip to Bradford City on Boxing Day, the full-back is chomping at the bit to get back out there once again.
The full-back declared: "To have the two games coming up which we have is fantastic, and we’ve got to go into them both competing.
“If you can get six points out of the next two games it sends ripples down the whole league. There’s still a very long way to go though.”
See much more from Harry Toffolo, Graham Alexander and Jordan Clarke on The Iron PlayerHD.
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