Michael Collins ready for a 'Titanic battle' as Scunthorpe United prepare for crunch clash at Bury

MIDFIELDER Michael Collins says Scunthorpe United must prepare for an 'onslaught' when they travel to relegation rivals Bury tonight.

Although pointing out that each of the Iron's nine remaining games are significant, given their continuing battle for survival, the 26-year-old admits there will certainly be an edge to the clash at Gigg Lane.

The Shakers are currently propping up the table following Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth, while United are clinging on to their place just outside the drop zone despite a 2-1 reverse at home to Coventry City.

Collins described that result as a 'setback' but insists it will have been completely forgotten about come 7.45pm this evening.

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"There's nine games left and we've got to make sure we're fired up for all nine of them," he said.

"We've had to dust ourselves down and quickly get ready for tonight, which is going to be a Titanic battle.

"There's no point putting extra emphasis on it. It's just the next game that happens to be coming up, but there is a significance to it with Bury being down there.

"They were beaten against Portsmouth away on Saturday, so they'll be hurting and wanting to show they're still in with a shout and in the fight.

"We're going to have to get ready for an onslaught in that sense, but we know what we've got to do.

"As the gaffer said, if we go there and look for a fight with them then we'll only cause problems for ourselves. We've got to go there and try to impose ourselves on them.

"If it turns into a battle we've got to make sure every man steps up and fights through it."

Remaining calm under pressure will be key for the visitors, according to Collins, as Scunthorpe try to avoid being overcome by nerves.

"It is going to be about who holds their nerve," he added.

"But I think we've dealt quite well as a squad with regards to any tension.

"There are other teams in and amongst it who are feeling the same as us.

"We've got to make sure we stay focused on our job in hand because if we worry too much about what everybody else is doing then that's going to add extra pressure.

"Everybody's got to stay positive, regardless of Saturday's result.

"We'll give it everything tonight and see what we get."

Given the Iron have still to pit their wits against teams fighting at the other end of the table before the season is out, there is no getting away from how important three points would be against Bury.

When asked if it was a must-win game though, Collins stated: "They all are."

"Until we're mathematically safe then every game's a must-win. Tonight is no different," he continued.

"You could say Saturday was a must-win but we didn't get the three points, but fortunately we have another game coming along quickly and hopefully we can get the points on the board to lift us higher up the table.

"You can't worry about 'what ifs'. You can go back to the start of the season with 'what ifs'.

"It's a case of there being nine games and those nine games become vital to this football club and the future of this football club.

"As players we've got to step up to the mantle now and make sure we deliver the goods and make sure this club is playing in League One next season."