The standard has been set, and midfielder Mark Duffy is confident Scunthorpe United can live up to it.

According to the midfielder, Iron players are well aware of what is expected of them under boss Alan Knill – and the consequences should they fall short.

Passing their way to promotion remains the target, with Duffy a keen supporter of the manager's formula for success.

"We've played all the top teams in the league – the likes of Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday and a few others," said the former Morecambe man.

"And it's only Charlton who I would say were a match for us.

"There's no-one in the league who's really caught our eye or made us think, 'they're unbelievable'.

"I think we're still in the top three teams in the league.

"It is a tough league but the gaffer wants us to get promoted and I don't think he'll accept anything less.

"He stresses the style he wants. And if players don't produce that style, then I'm sure he'll ship us out and get new players in.

"We're not feeling that threat at the minute.

"But that's his style of playing, he wants us to pass and move – which I like and all the players like.

"The standards come from the top and if the gaffer doesn't set high standards then we won't set the standards ourselves.

"It can only come from the top, then it filters down through all the players and the staff.

"That's just the way football should be done."

A knee injury meant Duffy missed United claim their first league victories, returning to action in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in midweek.

He now hopes to experience that winning feeling for himself against Leyton Orient on Saturday.

"It's not been a nice two weeks being injured, especially with the lads picking up wins," he said.

"The lads come in buzzing and you don't really feel part of it because you're stuck in the physio room.

"It was nice to get out there again.

"At Walsall, I thought I'd played my best game and the gaffer said I'd played well.

"It was just a bit unfortunate that I picked up a knock in training."