Manager Graham Alexander has been previewing the final Checkatrade Trophy group stage game against Doncaster Rovers in an interview with iFollow Iron.
United and Rovers have already qualified for the next round following the results from their previous two group stage matches, and a Scunthorpe victory would ensure we finish top of the group.
Alexander says there will be changes to the side, with a number of players who haven’t started recent matches expected to receive a run-out. Amongst those, New Zealand international Clayton Lewis looks set to make his debut for the club.
ON THE MATCH…
GA: Every game is a chance to represent the club and represent ourselves, and we want to do that in the best way possible. We’ve done very well in the previous two games, so we want to end the group stages by winning the last match, finishing top and getting a home draw in the next round. There is also local pride at stake with it being a derby. We will prepare exactly how we do for every other game and make sure we’re ready. This competition is a great opportunity to use the full value of the squad. We have more than 11 good players and always approach these games in the right way, as in how we prepare and talk about it. It’s as important as any other game for us.
ON POSSIBLE CHANGES…
GA: The opportunity for all the players is to go out there, show what they can do and go home feeling good about themselves – you can only do that by playing well and winning. They are the only aspects that make you feel good as a professional footballer. That’s what we’ll be looking to do, and I expect us to go there and play well. The team will be strong enough to win a game. We know Doncaster have many good players as well, but I really want to see our players go out, do the right things and approach it in the right way. We’re looking to involve the players who haven’t played much football. The more games in this competition the better for us, because it’s a competition we want to do well in. The prize at the end of the road is very valuable and it gives you the chance to use your squad.
"The prize at the end of the road is very valuable and it gives you the chance to use your squad."
ON A POSSIBLE DEBUT FOR CLAYTON LEWIS…
GA: Clayton hasn’t had the opportunity yet, so we’ll look to get him some game time to see where he is fitness-wise, and to also get him into the swing of things. I’m sure he’s itching to play. There will be him and others looking to impress and show what they can do. We didn’t want to chuck him in too early because we knew he was behind where everyone else was, but he’s been here a month now and it’s given him time to see what we demand from the team, to look at the players in his position and also at what we require physically, and what it takes to win games at this level. I’m sure once he gets into the game, it will be different from what he’s played before. It’s a good one, it’s a local derby and I expect it to be a competitive game.
ON NEAL BISHOP, WHO CAME OFF AT THE WEEKEND…
GA: He’s a little bit sore. He’s gone for an x-ray on Monday morning so we will find out if there is any longer-term damage to the injured part of his body. It was a sore one for him, especially for him to come off in a game like that where he was much needed – it has to take a lot. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious though and he’ll be available for selection. There are a couple of cuts, bumps and bruises. It was a competitive game but a very good one from our perspective. They were tough conditions for both teams and we’re delighted to take three points from it. There were the usual physical collisions but the players are physically and mentally strong, and are ready to go again.
ON THE AWAY SUPPORT…
GA: We’ve been really well supported in this competition. There were the home games and even the Cambridge away one last season, where we took a decent number there. Hopefully there will be more numbers there on Tuesday but every time we take to that pitch, we’re representing this club and our supporters. Hopefully they will make the short journey home happy.
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