Despite a brief injury sustained against Wigan Athletic last month, forward Tom Hopper is happy to be back among the starting eleven and is looking to continue his run of games.

The 23-year-old was recalled to the starting side ahead of the away encounter with Oldham Athletic, netting within five minutes of his return before playing 90 minutes in last week's FA Cup tie at Northampton Town.

He spoke to iFollow Iron about hitting his stride, facing Bristol Rovers on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and the competition for places.

ON PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF THE GAME...
TH: We've had the FA Cup, which wasn't the result we wanted, but we probably didn't deserve to win. We've been working hard on the training ground with things we need to improve on and we're ready to put in a good performance on Saturday against Bristol Rovers.

ON RETURNING TO GLANFORD PARK THIS WEEKEND...
TH: I've been trying to rack my brains for the last time we had a game at home. It'll be a tough game as both (against Bristol Rovers) were last season. They've got good players. We've been working hard all week in training, working on a couple of things that we want to do really well and as long as we put the right performance in as a team, we will get the right result. 

ON THE OPPOSITION...
TH: In terms of the stature of the club, they're a big club with a big following. It'll hopefully be a good atmosphere - I don't tend to look at past results going into fixtures as any team can beat any other team on their day. We have to treat them with respect, worry about ourselves and do what we do well.

ON RETURNING TO THE XI AFTER INJURY...
TH: It was frustrating with my injury - just as I felt I was getting into the groove of things again and playing some good football. I was only out for a couple of weeks, but I feel like I've almost got straight back in where I left off. The aim is to now hopefully stay in the side and put in some good performances. With the strikers we've got here, anyone can be selected and do a really good job. It's healthy competition and as long as you do all you can, you'd like to think you keep your shirt.

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