Our Assistant Head Coach spoke to the assembled press ahead of our trip to Accrington Stanley in Sky Bet League One on Boxing Day.
ON INJURIES AND ILLNESS
"I believe slowly, it is improving. Obviously, it is not completely eradicated. But last week was considerably a lot worse than this week, so improving slowly. Getting everybody patched up and back into training, yes.
"Tom (Edwards) is a short-term injury. He'll be close in the next week or so. I don't have the details medically with me at this moment. I think the weekend will be too close for him, it's touch and go over the next week or two.
"(On Adam Phillips) He's been integrated back into the squad this week. He's trained yesterday and he'll train again today. We'll see how he goes."
"I think we have enough time for everyone to be ok. Obviously, I can't guarantee that in this moment, but it's slowly improving."
ON ACCRINGTON STANLEY
"I went to watch them in the Papa John's Trophy away at Burton - so we're fully aware of what Accrington are and how well they've done over the last few years. They're in good form - five unbeaten in all competitions.
"When you watch them live you know how difficult it is to play against them. Especially going away to their home. It's a real tough test and I think this week our job is to focus on this one game and one game solely."
"Combative, have dangers and threats on the pitch throughout. Whether it be their dangerous attackers or the set plays, they're a team that can hurt you in many different ways and defend very aggressively."
ON FESTIVE PERIOD SCHEDULE
"It isn't a challenge. The reason we work so hard with the squad and with everybody is that in occasions like this, if there are illnesses, short term or long-term injuries, it's the next one up mentality.
"There's a reason we train hard, there's a reason that people who are not in the team at the moment need to continue to train hard. We are massive as a staff in making sure that everyone goes hard. When the opportunity comes, they're ready to seize it."
ON AWAY BACKING AT ACCRINGTON
"Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic away from home. Again, I think it's those added little percentages. The players need to put in the performances but I think when the fans go and back them like they did - I remember at Shrewsbury we were really fighting to hold on to the lead at the end. The fans were excellent and the players got over the line.
"We've been supported fantastically. Michael (Duff) makes sure he gives his clap to the fans at the end of the game because we are really thankful of the support we do receive."
