Grant McCann believes the international break has been useful for rest and recuperation for the Rovers squad after the intense first few months of the season.
The workload on the players has been incredibly demanding so far this season due to multiple injuries within the squad.
And a ten day break from match action proved timely to ease aches and pains ahead of the run through the festive period, which begins with the trip to Crewe Alexandra.
“It’s been good for us,” McCann said. “We had the chance to get a bit of a rest into the players the back end of last week and then we’ve stepped up the training this week, looking forward to getting going again in the league.
“It was nice to let the players have a few days and then get them back in refreshed. We’ve got one or two bodies coming back as well, which is great.
“It was a nice few days but this week has been all about preparing for Crewe.”
McCann is looking for the squad to build on the start to the season and continue the progression they have shown in recent weeks.
“We’re starting to a lot more understanding from the team and players when they play together,” he said.
“For us, it’s about building on that. It’s about kick on now. We’re getting very close to the second half of the season and I feel like we are getting stronger as the games come.
“We’ve got a tough game at Crewe this weekend - a team that have started the season very well so we know we’ll have to be very good to get something out of it.”
McCann revealed he will welcome back Tom Anderson and Tommy Rowe for the trip to Crewe following injuries.
He said: “From the last game, everybody is available, which is good because the theme of this season has been picking injuries up in each game. We haven’t from Accrington, which is pleasing.
“Tom Anderson has trained and come back. Tommy Rowe has trained and come back. They’re two big characters, two big leaders in the changing room and two good players who will be hugely beneficial for us for the games coming up.”
Joseph Olowu continues to follow the concussion recovery protocol following his head knock against AFC Wimbledon but could be available this weekend.
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