Mystified manager Alan Knill is hoping some good can come of his side's ever-growing casualty list by bringing the Scunthorpe United squad closer together.

The Iron could be without up to as many 10 of their first-team squad at MK Dons this afternoon, with Sam Johnstone and Damien Mozika the latest concerns in what was already a packed treatment room.

In similar circumstances at Brentford last week, Scunthorpe made light of their problems by holding on for a goal-less draw, despite playing the final 20 minutes of the match with 10 men after Andrew Wright was sent off for a second bookable offence.

And they are going to need to show the same sort of resilience at stadium:mk, where Knill admits some players may be asked to play through the pain barrier and others will be out of position.

"I don't think I've known anything like it," he said of Scunthorpe's injury woes.

"The good thing is we still have a squad, we're not down to playing the kids yet so we've still got enough about us, albeit players who may have to take part when their fitness levels aren't what you'd want them to be.

"Unfortunately we've got no choice.

"We're playing players not in their natural position, just to do a job for us.

"Sometimes it works better for you though. Sometimes it brings everybody closer together and that's what we're hoping it's done.

"The evidence at Brentford was that it did that, hopefully we'll do it again."

Defender Paul Reid said the Iron squad had swapped insults for encouragement when mistakes were made at Griffin Park  - a change he felt was for the better.

There can be no doubting Scunthorpe's battling spirit either, which was helped by a pre-match huddle the likes of which have only usually been seen by opposition teams.

"If I'm honest, I've never been a fan of the huddle," said Knill.

"We kick off at three o'clock and to see everyone hugging each other on the pitch just before used to annoy me.

"But I can see what it does and I was delighted the players took it upon themselves to do it.

"Togs (skipper Sam Togwell) said a few words and then off they go."

Even though it may involve a few different faces, don't be surprised to see a repeat against the Dons.

WALKING WOUNDED

JOSH LILLIS: Damaged knee ligaments during the 1-1 home draw with Colchester at the beginning of September and won't be back in action until just before Christmas.

ANDREW WRIGHT: Definitely sits out the clash at stadium:mk through a one-match suspension having been sent off for two bookable offences at Brentford last weekend.

EDDIE NOLAN: Iron are hopeful he'll be fit for this afternoon's clash on the back of damaging his calf while going up the stairs at Glanford Park 10 days ago.

CLIFF BYRNE: Club captain has been sidelined since January with a long-standing back problem and though he is now back in full training, his match fitness needs a drastic improvement before he'll be back in a matchday squad.

JIMMY RYAN: Is still at least a month away from a return to fitness after picking up a medial ligament problem making a tackle in the dying seconds of the 2-2 draw at Walsall.

JORDAN ROBERTSON: Broke his ankle in training during the first week of the season, but should be fit to play some part in another month or so.

MATT GODDEN: Unlikely to play again until 2012 after having to undergo surgery for a hernia problem diagnosed when assessing a hip injury.

MICHAEL COLLINS: Has missed the past eight league matches with tendonitis and stubbed a toe on his return to training on Thursday which makes him a doubt today.

DAMIEN MOZIKA: Turned his ankle in training on Tuesday and was on crutches earlier in the week. Although he may miss the Dons game, Iron will be hopeful he won't be out long term.

SAM JOHNSTONE: Dislocated a finger while training with Manchester United on Monday and Scunthorpe are keeping quiet on a doctor's verdict on whether he'll be fit to play at stadium:m. Has to be considered a serious doubt.