Lee Johnson spoke to the press ahead of this weekend’s League One fixture against Scunthorpe United.
Johnson started by confirming that his squad were still suffering from injuries, but the Reds Head Coach said that late fitness tests for Conor Hourihane and Marley Watkins were taking place today.
“We hope those two will be alright, but we’ll see.” Said Johnson. “Ben Pearson is back though and he’s been brilliant for us. He’s been one of our best and most consistent performers this season.
“Dan Crowley has gone back to Arsenal and we’ve really enjoyed working with Dan. I’m really appreciative to Arsenal for letting us have him, I have nothing but positives to say about him.”
Johnson remained upbeat despite the lack of wins recently and the long injury list at the club and was asked about his feelings going into the match against Scunthorpe, a place the Reds have already won twice at this season in the Capital One Cup and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
“It’s just part of life,” said Johnson. “You get injuries being a footballer and being a head coach you just have to deal with it. We go into the game depleted as a squad but I still believe that my eleven will be strong enough to get a result.
“Scunthorpe have found their strength again, they’ve got a good side. We go there having beaten them twice previously and everyone is now focused on doing that again. It’s about us imposing our game on them.”
After a run of five losses in a row in the league, Johnson explained how determined he was to get a positive result against Scunthorpe at the weekend.
“I’m the world’s worst loser and I have been since I was five years old. I’m not hiding the fact that I’m hurting but I am delighted that we have a game on Saturday as it gives us a chance to end this horrible feeling. We’ve got an opportunity and we have to take it.
“We’ve had a good week training and we’ll get the lads firing. Our fans will be there in force as always and they have backed us fantastically all season."
