Swindon Town return to League Two action this weekend after their midweek cup exploits, making the long trip to Brunton Park to take on Carlisle United.
Speaking ahead of the clash, First-Team Head Coach, Scott Lindsey, took questions from the media in his pre-match press conference earlier today at The County Ground.
Here is what the gaffer had to say on his players side-lined, his latest signing and the importance of three points.
Injury news…
“Our injury list remains the same at present, with Ellis Iandolo and Reece Devine the only lengthy absentees at the moment. We are potentially looking at between six to eight weeks at most for their return.
“Ciaran Brennan is still missing for now as we continue to assess the knock on effects he suffered at Harrogate Town with concussion. He hasn’t trained this week and been resting at home. He’s no longer got symptoms which is good, but it’s really important we give him as much recovery time as is needed.”
Lindsey on Blake-Tracy loan deal…
“Frazer is a really versatile player and gives us the option to change formations defensively should we need too, and this is something we haven’t had previously.
“We felt that with the current injuries we have to the left side, Frazer coming in gives us more balance and depth. If we want to switch to a back four, we can.
“He’s an athletic lad, standing at over six foot, but he’s also a very good footballer with lots of experience playing in the league above, so that will be invaluable and really strengthens our squad.
“He’s not been getting as many games at his parent club than he’d like, so he’s come here to play football. We watched him a fair bit last season and he’s looked good, so I’m pleased to have him onboard.”
Lindsey on Carlisle threat…
“Saturday will be a really challenging game. Carlisle have made a good start to the season, beating Crawley in their first game. They also went to Colchester and got a point.
“They’re a really competitive side and like to get crosses into the box from different areas. They’ve also got a really good manager in Paul Simpson, so we’re expecting a really tough game.”
“We’ve prepared well and will continue to do so, but we know we need to be a threat as well as nullifying theirs.”
The importance of scoring goals…
“We’ve created around 16 chances in our last three games, so the goals will come.
“We have to remember that against Harrogate, we could have scored three or four with Jonny (Williams), Harry (McKirdy), Tomi (Adeloye) and Mathieu (Baudry) all coming close, not to mention the penalty. On another day those go in and it’s a different outcome.
“In the second game against Salford, we’ve had two chances basically cleared off the line, Tom Clayton has a shot well saved and we probably should have had a penalty, so I’m confident it’s just a matter of time.
“We have players throughout the team that can score and create, so the goals will come.”
Lindsey on getting that first win…
“If we win on Saturday it will be massive for us. The lads are working really hard and their attitudes have been fantastic.
“They deserve a win for all the hard work they’ve put in. The mood in the camp is great and training has been strong.
“It goes without saying I want to see a good performance on Saturday that gets us three points, then all of a sudden we’re on the same points total as we were this time last season, which was obviously a good campaign.”
