Skipper Rory McArdle is hoping the Iron can get a win against Doncaster Rovers on Sunday, after Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss.
The centre-back, who will be playing in his first local derby match since joining this summer, believes his side can bounce back if the performance level remains high.
In an interview with iFollow Iron, McArdle previewed the game at the Keepmoat Stadium and offered his opinion on the competition within the squad.
ON THE BLACKBURN DEFEAT…
RM: We were a little bit disappointed after the game. We looked at the performance, the chances that we created and the saves their ‘keeper made, and on another night we could have won the game as well. It’s important we don’t get too down about the result, the performance was good, but equally we recognise that we did get beat, so we want to try and rectify that. If and when we get games like that again, it’s important that we at least come away with something from the game.
"We’re looking to bounce back as quickly as possible, but we know the performance levels have still got to stay the same."
ON BOUNCING BACK AFTER A LOSS…
RM: Games come thick and fast in our league. We’re looking to bounce back as quickly as possible, but we know the performance levels have still got to stay the same. Going into the game on Sunday, we know it is going to be tough, so our standards have to be as high as what they have been in recent weeks.
ON THE LOCAL DERBY MATCH…
RM: I don’t think you approach these games any differently. Everyone is aware that it’s going to be an intense atmosphere and the fans are going to be vocal and want bragging rights. We’ve got to recognise that, but it’s important we don’t get sucked into too much and start doing things we wouldn’t normally do or changing our game plan. As much as we want to win the game and give the fans the bragging rights, we’ve got to treat it as a normal game, making sure we prepare as we would do for any normal game. We are all relaxed and calm, looking forward to the game.
ON DONCASTER ROVERS…
RM: I’m sure they will be high on confidence. They bounced straight back after what was a disappointing season for them two seasons ago. You look at the records they had last year and at one point they were unbeaten at home. They will want to start the season well as much as everyone does. We’ve got to be prepared for that and ready for them.
ON THE COMPETITION WITHIN THE SQUAD…
RM: If you look at the right-back spot, Levi Sutton has come in for six games and done really well and we’ve kept some clean sheets, but he took a bit of a nasty bang to his head. You’ve then got Jordan Clarke’s experience coming on in a game like that. You look at the squad throughout each position and there’s good competition for every position. Anyone who is not pulling their weight or whose performances aren’t quite there for whatever reason, they know they will have someone waiting to come and take their place. I think it’s a good thing - it keeps consistency and keeps everyone on their toes.
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