Speaking to iFollow Iron, manager Paul Hurst has previewed the home game against Carlisle United on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
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Hurst disclosed that it had been another tough week preparation-wise, as his side have picked up injuries ahead of the Carlisle fixture, but some players are recovering well.
He said: “It’s been a similar theme (compared to previous weeks), we’ve picked up a couple of injuries which will become clearer at the weekend, making it hard, but there are positives to take from the Under-23’s game with some players getting minutes.
“John McAtee had a good game, he did well, and Ryan Colclough managed to complete the full game, albeit not absolutely flat out but he was out there and got a goal. It’s another step forwards for his progression to get back to being truly available for selection from the start, and getting towards completing a senior game.
“The Under-23’s game generally was a good performance, as some of those lads haven’t played for a while, and their season will get underway shortly. They did well to progress and they’ve got a long trip to Southend as a reward.”
On the Iron’s opponents this weekend, Carlisle United, Hurst believes their league position doesn’t reflect their capabilities.
He added: “I honestly think they’re a good side, having watched them through other teams they’ve played against, and more specifically through the week. I like a lot of their players and the way they’ve played, and I’m sure they’ll be thinking they should have more points than they’ve got. They’ve missed some chances in big moments, and had some decisions go against them. Their return points-wise, perhaps doesn’t reflect how they’ve started the season.
“Carlisle have some dangerous players in attacking areas, but clearly we’ve got to force those mistakes they’ve made so far, and be on our guard for some of the strengths they have.”
On Carlisle’s set-up, Hurst said “They tend to play with three midfield players that try to get on the ball and keep possession, which at times can leave the three attacking players high up the pitch, who are all a threat. There’s a style of football they play, and we’ll be wary of that, but most importantly, we’ll try to put our game on them. No matter how you set up at the level we’re at, there’s always weaknesses, it’s who can get on top of the game.
“Sometimes different formations and styles make for a better game, because if you match up you can simply cancel each other out, I don’t think that’ll be the case at the weekend, it should be a good game to watch and to get the right result.”
Forward Olufela Olomola is on-loan at League Two rivals Carlisle, and won’t be eligible to feature against the Iron this weekend.
Hurst stated: “He’s had a decent start in his new surroundings, but he won’t be playing against ourselves.”
On positive injury news, Hurst said: “As I said, Ryan (Colclough) playing more minutes is good, but we have to be careful to a degree after he’s done that (torn ACL previously). Clayton Lewis was back playing, but he goes away with New Zealand, so it doesn’t really benefit us at this current time. Lewis Butroid is on his way back training wise, more non-contact stuff, but joining in with some of the group. Andy Dales and Levi (Sutton) are hopefully not too far away, they’re out there. Jacob Bedeau’s back training, but again, we’ve just got to be careful due to the projected time of him being out from the start.
“We’ll be glad to try and ‘uncrowd’ the physio room, that’s for sure. Kevin van Veen’s managed to train all week, which is something we’ll look at, certainly. He could come into the 18.”
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