Manager Graham Alexander will be hoping his side can continue their fine form when they make the long trip to Fratton Park on Saturday to face Portsmouth.
The Iron last played on New Year’s Day when they defeated Bury 1-0, but Alexander thinks that having a weekend off from a game came at a good time for his team.
He spoke to iFollow Iron as he previewed the match, gave the latest team news and applauded the supporters who will be making the long journey.
ON LAST WEEKEND’S BREAK…
GA: The break came at a good time for us with the injuries we have had, especially over the Christmas period because it takes it out of you. It was a good opportunity to give the players a couple of down days and just to have rest. That was the most important thing over the first week after the Bury game, but this week we have slowly built up and tried to reintroduce a couple of boys back into training. We’re getting to the end of the week now preparing for Portsmouth. The buzz around the squad is ready for this game.
ON THE LONG DISTANCE AWAY TRIPS…
GA: We’ve got quite a few long away trips so we have been going through all the logistics, travel and overnight planning. The players get looked after and we do everything right. The board are really supportive of that work, so they know what the players need to prepare. We need to make it the best possible scenario for the players.
"The players get looked after and we do everything right. The board are really supportive of that work, so they know what the players need to prepare. We need to make it the best possible scenario for the players."
ON PORTSMOUTH…
GA: They are a good team with an excellent manager (Kenny Jackett), who knows the game. We are under no illusions with the challenge we have got in front of us, but I think they are looking at us and know what is coming their way as well. That is the biggest thing for us – that we can compete and play at the best level we can. We know every week is a tough challenge.
ON HOW WELL CAMERON McGEEHAN HAS BEDDED IN AT THE IRON…
GA: He has settled in really well. He came in on the first day and there was a question mark whether he could train or not, but he was desperate to train and he flew through it. He has shown his quality already – great size, great feet, football intelligence and he is motivated. I’m always excited about working with a group of players, especially this group, I think they are fantastic. I look forward to every day of training, but when you have got some fresh faces it is always good to see how they compete with your players.
ON PLAYERS RETURNING FROM INJURY…
GA: Rory McArdle has been back with us for a couple of weeks now. He has trained fully this week and it’s fantastic to have Rory back in contention because he is a big player for us, big character and the captain. Luke Williams is now into his third week of full training. He has been like a new player as well. He has looked good, and improved physically. We know of his technique and quality on the ball. It is just about getting him to a level of fitness where he can really compete for a start and a place on the bench. He is making steps towards that.
ON THE LONG-TERM ABSENTEES…
GA: Jonathon Margetts is still going to be a while. Jordan Clarke is getting better day by day but it is still a good while before he will be fit. Sam Mantom is probably a couple of weeks away. They are all making good progress and working extremely hard with the medical team.
ON THE SUPPORTERS…
GA: I’m sure that they missed having a game last weekend as well. We know how tough it is supporting us on the road because we have got some long journeys, but their support is invaluable to us. We love having the supporters with us over the miles. We’re looking forward to seeing them down there on Saturday.
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