Rovers boss Micky Mellon has identified the importance of remaining focused on his team’s own performances as the gap between teams at the top of the table tightens.
Micky was keen to emphasise the fact that his team cannot control what happens in other matches, and that the primary focus must be on getting results.
“You obviously have to concentrate on your own results and performances first, then you see what the outcome of that is. First and foremost, you have to take care of your own business and try to get results.”
When asked about how the team can bounce back from the defeat at Colchester, Micky highlighted the need for them to move on as quickly as possible.
“We quickly look over performances and we assess what we think we should have done better. We communicate that with the players and move on as quickly as we can, because there is nothing we can do about it now, as tough as that is.”
The Rovers boss also spoke about how crucial goal difference could be as the team approaches the end of the season.
“Goal difference is always a factor. We’ve got three teams all locked on the same points with goal difference separating us. You just have to try and keep focused, keep trying to do the best you can, keep clean sheets and score goals to try and win games.”
Rovers’ form has been much better at home than it has away this season, but Micky is not quite sure why this is the case.
“It’s a great mystery why we don’t do so well away because we don’t set up any different. We try and win every game. I don’t say anything different to the players because we want to go and attack every game to try and win it. We’ve been particularly good at home picking up points and the performances have been good.”
Micky then touched on Jay Spearing and Nicky Maynard, who are both returning from injuries.
“It was too early to start them last week. We spoke to the players about that, and they agreed that a couple of days training was not enough considering the length of their layoffs. They have now got another good week of training under their belt. This week they have certainly moved massively closer.”
The gaffer also confirmed the Kieron Morris is fit again.
“He will be fine, he is back now. I spoke to him before the game and on the day of the game last week and he decided he was not ready yet. After a good week of training, he will be available for the weekend.”
The more experienced players in the squad could be vital for Rovers towards the end of the season, as Micky highlighted.
“They are huge when you look at what they have done. You have the likes of Spearing and Morris who have been some of our best players this season, so they are very valuable to us. To have all of them back available for us again and getting towards being able to start is really good for us.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Micky pointed out that, although Carlisle are a strong team at the minute, he is confident Rovers can secure the victory.
“They have been on a brilliant run under their new manager Paul Simpson. We watched them midweek against Rochdale and they lost there, but they have started to pick up a lot of points and draw themselves away from the bottom of the table. If we play anywhere near what we know are capable of as a team, we will hopefully be able to come away with a valuable three points.”
Micky ended the interview by talking about how important the home fans are at Prenton Park.
“We have a fanbase that is very mature and they know that it is very important that they get right behind us and show the patience we all have to show at times. There will be things that frustrate all of us at times, that’s football. The ultimate thing is that they go and support this group of players and try and get the most out of them.”