Skipper Rory McArdle says the players selected against Grimsby Town in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night need to prove why they should be in the team for the next league game.
Manager Graham Alexander has said there will be changes to the team for the match against the Mariners, with United looking to build on a 3-1 win over Sunderland Under-21s in their first group match at the end of August.
McArdle spoke with iFollow Iron to preview the clash against the Mariners.
ON THE MATCH BEING IMPORTANT IRRESPECTIVE OF THE COMPETITION…
RM: For everyone that’s involved, it’s another game. With it being against a local rival, it adds that little bit of spice. Once you get out and the game starts, everyone who’s there wants to win. Hopefully the fans will come out. It’s still a derby and hopefully both sets of fans will turn out and create a good atmosphere.
"The earlier we can get the points on the board will put us in a better position because we want to progress through the rounds."
ON THE TOURNAMENT IN GENERAL…
RM: You want to progress as far as possible. The final is at Wembley and as you start progressing, it can have a positive impact for a club. The earlier we can get the points on the board will put us in a better position because we want to progress through the rounds.
ON BOUNCING BACK FROM SATURDAY’S LEAGUE DEFEAT AT SHREWSBURY…
RM: It was a little bit different when we were beaten in the league last time, with a Sunday game following a Tuesday match. We’re looking to bounce back again, like we did then. We won’t just put Saturday to bed. We will look at how we could have done things differently, but equally we’re looking ahead to the Grimsby game and want to put things right again,
ON COMPETITION IN THE SQUAD…
RM: If you look at the squad now, it’s healthy and the majority of the lads are fit so there’s good competition. Those who play need to take the opportunity and show why they deserve to be in the team again on Saturday. I know it’s hard sometimes when you’ve not been in the team, and you’re coming into the match to find your feet, but hopefully they can do that as quickly as possible.
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