Lee Johnson spoke to the press ahead of this weekend’s South Yorkshire derby against Doncaster Rovers and asked someone in his squad to become a hero.
The Reds Head Coach gave team news and said everyone came through unscathed against Gillingham at the weekend and the U21 match against Bristol City during the week.
“We’re in good shape," he said. "Michael Smith, Conor Wilkinson and Marc Roberts all played 90 minutes during the week in the U21’s and came through fine.”
Johnson added, “Ryan Williams is doing well. We’ve had physio reports and they are pleased with his progress, so it is just a case of trusting the physios and allowing them to do their job. He’s been working hard and when he comes back it will be like a new signing.”
On the match itself, Johnson said he went to watch Rovers during the week and was impressed.
“They were very good on Tuesday, but low in confidence because of their league position," he continued. "They’ve got a lot of experienced players at this level and they are a real danger, we will have to be at our best.
“We are taking a lot of fans there. Our away support has been fantastic so far and the boys are really looking forward to seeing it again. I’ve been told we haven’t won there in quite a while so there is a marker for the players to turn that around and someone can become a hero for the weekend.”
The Reds are three games unbeaten after two wins and a draw. Johnson recognises that his squad have really knuckled down in training and listened to what he’s asked them to do.
“Seven points is a good return and a new game is a new opportunity," he added. "We’ve got an opportunity to move up the league and the young players have a chance to showcase themselves.
“Fair play to the players who have taken on what I told them. They’ve committed themselves to the cause, they are communicating well and asking me questions. The lads understand what we are trying to do and taking the constructive criticism in the manner it’s meant, then going and working on it.”
Johnson realises this weekend is a bit different as the Reds have two Yorkshire derby matches to prepare for in three days.
“We all want to be part of the big games and provide wins," he said. "The losing run at Doncaster will be turned to our advantage and it will be mentioned in my team talk for sure. Let’s hope someone can become a hero and send everyone home happy!”
