Scunthorpe United: Damien Mozika part of Iron squad travelling to Gillingham
Boss Brian Laws believes this weekend's FA Cup trip to Gillingham is 'the perfect game' with which to make his return to management at Scunthorpe United.
The Iron are a division above the Gills, but given their struggles this season, coupled with their hosts' fantastic form, which has taken them to the top of League Two, in reality, only three league places separate the sides.
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Damien Mozika has not played a match this season because of an ankle injury, but may play a part in the FA Cup this weekend. Picture: Carl Gac.
Gillingham have won 11 of their 15 league matches this season, justifying their decision to appoint colourful character Martin Allen as their manager during the summer.
"I know Martin well," said Laws, ahead of the Iron's first visit to the Priestfield Stadium in six years, when he was also boss of United.
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"His teams play in a certain way. They are aggressive, high tempo and they'll be at us very early on in the game.
"We'll probably be the underdogs, but do we take any notice of that, no. Does anybody, really?
"They'll probably look at it as an opportunity for them. If you look at our record, they'll see it as a chance for them to win and continue their good form.
"But we've got players that can hurt them too and I'd like to think they'll be very concerned about one or two of our players.
"We've got to make sure it's very difficult for them.
"At the end of the day, we are in the league above and we've got good players who can play on the stage and hurt them.
"There's a different pressure on us this week. This is financial pressure for the football club rather than three points being at stake.
"For me, it's the perfect game."
Scunthorpe will be without their two loanees at the Priestfield Stadium as Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic have refused permission to let David Prutton and Leon Clarke play.
On the plus side, Andy Barcham is available after an ankle injury and Laws hopes the winger can use the opportunity of returning to his former club to spark him into the sort of form that saw the 25-year-old finish the last campaign as the Iron's top scorer.
"I'd like to think he is eager to play against his former club," said Laws on Barcham. "There could be a little spark there."
The Iron boss gave away little about the system United will play and the personnel he will pick against the Gills.
He did though reveal midfielder Damien Mozika will travel south with the rest of the squad as he nears a return to full fitness following ankle surgery in the summer.
Mozika hasn't played a match this term but with reserve games few and far between, he may have to build up his fitness on the field of play.
"Ideally he (Mozika) needs games, there's no question about that," Laws added.
"It's difficult to arrange anything in terms of friendlies because we've got games coming up thick and fast, but we'll try to fit some in.
"It might be the case that Mozika has to get his fitness on the pitch, whether it be 20 minutes or 30 minutes.
"We can't wait two weeks down the line for his next game. Needs must now. We need players who've got something about them and hopefully he can add to the squad.
"He'll get more minutes probably with the first team than he would in a reserve game.
"He's travelling with us on Saturday, so that gives you an indication that he's going to be part of the squad."
Comments
by carllewis2010
Friday, November 02 2012, 2:15PM
“Absolutely agree Dflated,lets just hope our players are good enough to start getting us up league one.I just wonder where the goals are going to come from now clarkes departure is iminent."UP THE IRON"!!!”
by Jacksaw
Friday, November 02 2012, 1:45PM
“Lets hope there's no chairs in the dressing room!”
by DFlated
Friday, November 02 2012, 1:13PM
“Knill allowed the shirkers to sulk and shirk. Laws will kick backsides - we have had 18 months of players doing what they want, that has been 75% of the problem here. No longer - shape up or ship out is the Laws way.”
by expatbillie
Friday, November 02 2012, 12:32PM
“Seems like the `new` manager has his Indiana Jones whip in full flow. Positive whatever the outcome that this is going to be a turning point for the players and club. January is not so far away so time to start playing for your pay and playing in support of each other. As I said before SUFC, have a proud history in the FA Cup and no matter the opposition have fought together for the win. As for Mozika, get on with it lad and show people if you have the flair, as a team player, to justify your place. May take time to become `match fit` but thats an ex-employees fault. Its down to you now, the new boss doesn`t wear skirts so nothing to hide behind for anyone at the club. Get out and `Gaff the Gills` tomorrow .”