Iron defender David Mirfin says he and his team-mates know the importance of Sunday’s encounter with Sheffield United.
However, he revealed the preparation leading up the game has been no different to usual.Mirfin spoke of how manager Graham Alexander felt it was crucial to not overstate the significance of the clash, and continue to do the things which have seen United put together a run of five successive league victories.
He told The Iron PlayerHD: “The lads have been full of confidence from the last few weeks, and the gaffer’s made sure it’s no more than it should be this week, and kept it as a normal week.
“Obviously with the game we had on Saturday, with over 7,000 fans and the need for more tickets ahead of Sunday, we know it’s going to be a big game.”
United currently sit level on points with Barnsley, who occupy the final play-off spot. However, the 31-year-old reinforced the need to not deviate from the attitude which has served the squad so well of late.
“Getting asked four or five weeks ago whether or not we had aims for the play-offs, we said we were just taking one game at a time, and that’s been the same this week,” he said.
“The sole focus has been on Sheffield United on Sunday, and that’s how it’s going to be, right up until kick-off. The gaffer touched on it that there was an element of pride going into each game, and we didn’t want the season to peter out.
“Which has been the case, and regardless of what happens on Sunday, I think we’ve got a momentum and confidence going into next season.”
Despite the Blades being out of the play-off picture, the defender says no one is taking anything for granted, and highlighted any game in the division brings it’s own test.
He also said the hosts will want to end the campaign strongly, in front of a packed home support.
“I think probably from a personal point of view, the toughest game in this run has been Crewe away and that was the game after they got relegated,” he stated.
“So it comes down to pride, players playing for contracts whether that’s at Sheffield United or elsewhere and also a manager who we know isn’t going to want his team to turn up and get rolled over by us.
“We know it’ll be a tough game, in front of a crowd of probably around 20,000, and they’re not going to want to let those supporters down.”
See much more from David Mirfin, Graham Alexander and Stephen Dawson on The Iron PlayerHD.
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