BOSS Ian Baraclough has told Scunthorpe United centre-back David Mirfin he will need to 'bide his time' to get back into the Iron first-team.

And more than likely, that will include impressing for the reserves as the competition for places heats up.

United's second string have been without a game since the start of this month.

But with a trip to Grimsby Town coming up on March 1, it could be a chance for Mirfin – and the rest of Scunthorpe's injured players – to continue his comeback from a thigh injury.

"There's only one way to get game-time and you can't replicate that in training," said Baraclough.

"It's never flat out like it is in a reserve or first-team game.

"They (injured players) have to make the most of that time because they want to play in the first-team and there are other people watching.

"Dave Mirfin's at the end of his contract at the end of the season, so it's important for everybody in many different ways.

"We don't want to rush David in because he's not played any games yet.

"That coincides with not having any reserve games for a little while, so it's been difficult for Dave.

"As long as he keeps training the way he is, he's building his fitness up.

"Dave's a good professional so he knows he'll have to bide his time.

"But if he keeps working hard, you never know when you'll get called upon."