Head coach Joey Barton spoke to the media on Thursday morning ahead of facing Shrewsbury Town this weekend.
Barton covered a number of areas, of which will be available to watch on iFollow on Thursday afternoon here.
Read the key points below from Joey had to say…
On building on last weekend’s 4-0 victory at third place Doncaster Rovers…
“The madness of League One is that teams are very closely matched. If you get a level of performance which is consistent from your players, you will have a very successful season – something which we’ve been aiming for.
“For me, the most pleasing thing about the Doncaster result was the clinical nature in how we put a team away. Going from 1-0, to 2-0 is massive in all football game, to take control of the emotional state of play. We’ve shown that ruthless edge, but for me we need to show it more often. We’re learning and it’ll take time to get everything we want, but the lads have been first class to this point.
“It was nice to win, but it’s only three points. We have a very tough game on Saturday against a team who finished in the play-offs last year – they’ve changed their identity this year, and will be difficult to play against due to their style of play.”
On Tuesday’s performance in the Checkatrade Trophy…
“I want really difficult team selections, but the team selection for Saturday’s game was made a lot easier by some players’ performance levels on Tuesday. The key for them is to how they respond to it, because it’s a long hard season.
“When you get presented with an opportunity you should look to take them. I was disappointed for the supporters on Tuesday night, but we look to pay them back on Saturday and pick up a positive result in the league against Shrewsbury.”
On the injuries within the camp…
“Tommy [Spurr] is back on the grass today [Thursday]. Conor [McAleny] and Dean Marney have been back on the grass for a period of time now. It’s just getting the work into them to get them fit enough to play in the team.
“Hubby [James Husband] is back at Norwich being assessed until Sunday – I think he’s back with us on Monday as he’s their player. Other than that, everyone else is ready to go.
“James [Wallace] is fine. He came off against Doncaster as a precaution and it looks like it was the right thing to do. It’s only caused him to miss 45 minutes, rather than three of four weeks.”