Iron boss Graham Alexander says he’s relishing the chance to take on Sheffield United on Saturday.
The Scunthorpe boss highlighted the threats which the visitors will pose, but was quick to stress that the focus must remain on his team.Alexander told The Iron PlayerHD: “It’s a big one, Sheffield United are a massive club.
“They’ll bring a fair following to Glanford Park, but our supporters will respond and come down here to get behind the team.
“It’s the sort of atmosphere you love to play in as a player, and it all adds up to what a good game it could be. However, it’s about results, and we’re looking to get a positive result out of it.
“We know the challenge that will come ahead, but I’m sure they’re looking at us, and will know the challenge which will come their way as well, and that’s the thing we have to focus on the most.”
Saturday will see the return of several familiar faces to Glanford Park, with former manager Alan Knill, along with ex-players Billy Sharp and Leon Clarke in the Blades’ ranks.
It’s not something that has too much bearing on things for Alexander though, and he insisted it’s all about those who take to the field.
“I know Alan (Knill) very well, we played at Scunthorpe together for a few years - he’s a great lad, so it’ll be good to see him after the game,” he explained.
“It’s about the eleven who go out there on Saturday taking the game to the eleven Sheffield United put out. All the pleasantries go beforehand, and then it gets down to the business end of it, and everyone wants to win for their own club.”
As far as team selection goes, the Scunthorpe manager is expecting to have the same squad to choose from that he had against Charlton Athletic in midweek.
He did however have positive news on the fitness of several players, but revealed none of them will feature at the weekend.
“Conor (Townsend) is definitely going to miss the game at the weekend, as he’s still not full recovered. Hops (Tom Hopper) is still on that same line as well, so we probably won’t have those two back,” he revealed.
“Jamie Ness is still training with us, and looking stronger everyday, which is great, and hopefully we can have the players back as soon as possible.
“We want as many good players to choose from as possible. It makes our job easier, because it means we know we can pick a positive team, but I think the players that are out there at the minute are doing a fantastic job.”
See much more from Graham Alexander, Josh Morris and Duane Holmes on the Iron PlayerHD.
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