Scunthorpe United boss Alan Knill has told his players mental strength will be the key to hauling themselves out the relegation zone.

Tomorrow's New Year's Eve clash with Chesterfield will put that theory to the test as the third from bottom Iron host the side five points below them in the League One table.

Twice in successive games at Glanford Park Knill's side have let slip a half-time lead, with Boxing Day's capitulation against Bury still fresh in the memory.

The manager is counting on his players to put that right against the Spireites, and end a run of six games without a victory in the process.

"Week in, week out, I'm a big believer that if you train well, chances are you're going to play well and that becomes the norm," said Knill.

"We've trained pretty well this week and now we're looking for a performance and, most importantly, a result.

"That's the thing both teams need and I'm hoping my players will want it more than theirs.

"They're probably like us, frustrated.

"Watching some of Chesterfield's games, their performances have been good. They just haven't got what they probably think they deserve - a bit like us.

"But the reality is we're both where we are.

"I know that my team has to work harder to get out of that.

"We are working as hard as possible and we're asking the players to work as hard as possible. I'm quite sure that will come to fruition.

"When you're a professional sportsperson it's mental strength more than anything else.

"It's the biggest thing.

"We all know there's a talent, but what makes great people is how mentally strong they are.

"It's not just football or sport it's life in general. Lots of things are thrown at you, it's how you deal with that.

"Usually if you're positive and have a belief in yourself, it will work out."

United will be without Eddie Nolan against Chesterfield following his fifth booking of the season against Bury, though midfielder Oliver Norwood returns from his own suspension.

There is a slight doubt over Jimmy Ryan who has not trained this week due to a thigh problem, while centre-back Paul Reid tweaked his calf after training for one day last week.

Midfielder Damien Mozika has been told he could return to the fold next Friday following an ankle injury, but goalkeeper Josh Lillis' (knee) comeback still appears some way off, with Knill planning to once again extended Manchester United loanee Sam Johnstone's stay next month.

"Josh is not that close," said Knill.

"He had an injection on Wednesday and has not trained but he's doing bits and pieces without coming back into full training.

"We hope the injection will speed that up, but right now he's not back in full training with us.

"We'll have to see how it goes.

"He's been doing light handling for probably three weeks now, maybe even longer.

"I think we're all hopeful he'll be back in training in a week, maybe two weeks.

"I think it's just when Josh feels comfortable.

"He came back and wasn't comfortable with getting up off the floor with his knee.

"Until he feels comfortable and 100 per cent then he's not going to come back in to full training."