On the training ground at least, Scunthorpe United show no signs of  a struggling team, according to midfielder Sam Togwell.

On the pitch it is a different matter.

And the difference between the two?

"I suppose it's the pressure. That's what pressure does," said Togwell.

The former Barnsley man admits the Iron must learn how to handle that weight of expectation on their shoulders if they are to stop plummeting down the table.

"The pressure probably comes a bit from the fans and a bit from us," Togwell added.

"It's in our own minds to start with because it's up to us, we're the only ones that can affect things. No-one else can affect what's happening on the pitch apart from the 11 players out there.

"Yes, the fans can help.

"At the moment they're probably not behind us as much as they could be, but that's because of the results and performances we're showing.

"It's catch-22.

"They've just got to stay behind us and it's up to us to keep them going.

"It is frustrating because you see all the work we're doing in training – the goals we're scoring, the way people are diving in front to stop goals.

"And yet we come out on Saturday, have chances and don't put them away and give away silly goals.

"It's frustrating because we are showing it, we're just not doing it at the right times.

"We've got quite an inexperienced, young team.

"That's what happens, you get pressure.

"But it's up to the senior players and the coaching staff (to help).

"We are learning.

"It's a learning curve and it's got to change soon, surely?"

It is the potential within the team which leaves Togwell convinced this season will not turn into a relegation battle for United.

They head to Exeter City tomorrow just one place and one point above the bottom four.

But Togwell stresses it isn't squeaky-bum time just yet.

"I wouldn't say it's make or break but it's an important time because of where we are in the league," he said.

"At the moment there's no hiding from the fact we're fifth from bottom.

"As players we feel we don't deserve to be there.

"Obviously results and performances have put us there, so we've only got ourselves to blame.

"But it's up to us and the coaching staff to pull us out of it and progress up the league.

"Actions speak louder than words. We have to go out and show it now.

"We've done all the talking and said all the same things for the last few weeks – you're probably bored of it, we're bored of saying it – it's just a case of going out and doing it now.

"Do I expect us to be there at the end of the season? No.

"But results and performances will judge that.

"I've seen the way we played at the start of the season.

"If we can do that again and get players on form again and scoring goals, then there's no reason why we can't be propelling up the league quickly."