Grant McCann has urged his Rovers players to continue the recent trend of positive performances as they prepare to host Sky Bet League Two leaders Stockport County.
Rovers have enjoyed an upturn in performances since the turn of the year and McCann feels they can head into Saturday’s game with confidence following the impressive showing against League One side Wigan Athletic last time out.
“It’s going to be a tough test - they’re top of the league for a reason and at this moment in time they’re the best team in the league,” he said.
“Like every game, they’re tough.
“We’ve prepared this week, we’ve focused on us and we want to try to continue the positive performances of the last five games or so.
“I know there’s been two defeats in that but I still feel there were large parts of our game that were strong at Harrogate and predominantly all the game here against Newport.
“We want to continue what we’ve shown in those performances because if we continue that, then I’ve got no doubts that results will follow.
“We had a really good performance in our last game here against Wigan, particularly in the second half. If we can produce that performance again, I’m sure we’ll give Stockport a good game.”
The health of the squad has significantly improved over the last few weeks and McCann feels the renewed competition for places can drive Rovers forward to enjoy a positive end to the campaign.
“Consistency levels have been a problem for us this season but it has been a stop-start time for us,” he said.
“We’re just hoping now that we can keep everybody fit. People may think I’m moaning about injuries, and I’m not. It’s just important for those that are fit to have that competition.
“It breeds their play to be more consistent because they know that if they don’t, there is going to be someone underneath ready to take their place.
“I think that is something that will be hugely beneficial for us in the last 19 games in the league - having that strong squad to call upon and not be flogging people consistently which can lead to inconsistency.”
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