Iron manager Graham Alexander says both he and his players are relishing the challenge this weekend’s clash with Bristol Rovers will bring.
United travel to the Memorial Stadium on Saturday, and Alexander states there’s an optimistic mood within the camp ahead of the encounter.Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “Any game at Bristol Rovers is going to be tough, with the following which they have there.
“We know they’ve got some really good players, they’ve a group that’s played together for quite a while.
“It’s another test for the boys, but we’re looking forward to it.
“We had a feel-good factor coming off the pitch last weekend between the players and the supporters - so we’re going to try and build on that this week.”
Last weekend’s point at Sheffield United will, in Alexander’s eyes, provide a terrific boost for the squad moving forward.
Alexander also declared his side were spurred on by a superb section of away support at Bramall Lane - something he insisted is always hugely beneficial.
“We had fantastic support last week, with great numbers going,” he declared.
“We know we’re going into a hostile environment, and we need to make sure we’re competitive on the pitch as well as off it.”
One player who definitely won’t feature against the Gas though is full-back Harry Toffolo, after the on-loan Norwich man was dismissed for two bookings in the draw with the Blades.
However, despite Toffolo’s absence, Alexander says in Conor Townsend the Iron have a more than able deputy.
“Conor’s not played a full game since Rochdale (in December) until Tuesday (in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley), so it would have been good for him to get his second wind,” he stated.
“We know the quality of Conor. He and Toffs (Harry Toffolo) have both been fighting it out all season, so that’s the obvious replacement for Harry.
“Conor knows how we want to play, and we know he’s a good player.”
The Scunthorpe boss also revealed he now has a full group of players back in first team training, with Jordan Clarke stepping up his recovery from a hamstring injury.
“He’s (Jordan Clarke) trained fully this week,” Alexander revealed.
“He didn’t take part in the game on Tuesday, because we thought it was a little too soon to go into a game situation.
“It’s good to have him back within the group, and we’ve now got everyone back training.”
See much more from Graham Alexander and Murray Wallace on The Iron PlayerHD.
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