IAN Baraclough says his side must become mentally tougher if they want to drag themselves out of the Championship doldrums – starting against Watford this afternoon.

Saturday's 3-0 mauling at rivals Doncaster was the 12th time in 22 league matches that the Iron have conceded the opening goal in a game.

Crucially, they have lost all 12.

And that's a situation that needs to change, according to Baraclough – who has again vowed to replace personnel if it doesn't.

"We have to have the strength of character to go and play our game, whatever the situation," he said ahead of the Hornets' visit to Glanford Park.

"We've got some talented players, but when we're going 1-0 down, people are going into their shell a little bit.

"We have to be strong mentally to deal with that, which is something that has certainly been lacking when we're at home.

"Teams will be looking at our results and seeing that the games in which we've been beaten, we've probably gone behind.

"The first goal seems to be dictating which way a game goes at the moment and that can't happen.

"We have got to be stronger mentally and if the players we've got in the dressing room now can't do that, I've got to bring others in."

Baraclough is likely to make changes to his starting XI against the Hornets, with Garry Thompson likely to start in place of Michael Collins on the right side of midfield.

The Iron boss hinted rookie striker Matt Godden is also in contention after impressing after coming on as a half-time substitute at the Keepmoat.

"He's someone who wanted to hold the ball up and was able to hold the ball up to give us a platform to play on," said Baraclough.

"I thought Matt did very well when he came on."

United will make a late fitness decision on centre-back Rob Jones, who missed the Rovers defeat with a knock picked up in last week's win at Burnley.

In his absence, David Mirfin made his first start in two months after tearing a tendon in his foot.