Head Coach Gabriele Cioffi is looking forward to seeing if his side can replicate some good away performances when we return to The People’s Pension Stadium for our first home game for three weeks today.
Reds take on Oldham Athletic (3pm) knowing that victory could move them above the Latics in the League 2 table.
They go into the game full of confidence after backing up an excellent 1-0 win at Swindon two weeks ago with a 1-1 draw at third-placed Bury last Saturday.
Gaby said: “The boys are in very good spirits after two good results. I think we definitely turned a corner with those two results but now it is important to perform in front of our own supporters again and I am looking forward to seeing if they do this.
“We have a platform with those two results. The challenge for the boys is to build on it this afternoon against a very tough opponent.”
Oldham haven’t won in four in the League but it was only a few weeks ago that they were knocking Premier League Fulham out of the FA Cup at Craven Cottage.
They will be fresh after not playing last weekend but Cioffi says Reds have prepared well for the game.
“The new players in the squad – Willock, Meite – who joined us late in the window have had a good week on the training pitch. They look sharp," said Gaby.
“We have a strong squad and not many injuries which is good so some good players will be disappointed not to play but I like this – competition for places. I consider everyone’s ability to have a place in the squad and it keeps them working hard.”
There could be further intrigue if former England and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is in attendance this afternoon, having been cleared by the EFL to take up the appointment as Oldham’s new manager.
The Latics fan is due to be named officially next week although Pete Wild is expected to be in the away dugout today in his role as caretaker manager.
Apart from Jimmy Smith, who is recovering from knee surgery, Reds have no fresh injury worries and are suspension-free.
