Harsh words have been replaced by harmony among the Scunthorpe United squad.

And defender Paul Reid believes that can only result in better performances.

According to the Iron centre-back, a lack of negative comments made the difference as United earned a point and their first clean-sheet of the season at Brentford last Saturday.

It is a change in attitude Reid wants to see continue as Scunthorpe prepare for their trip to MK Dons.

"For me, I thought we worked harder for each other last week," said the ex-Colchester man.

"There was less whinging and more encouraging. If someone did something wrong, it was more of a gee-up rather than criticising people. It made a massive difference.

"Just the attitude of people I think helped.

"I think that had been lacking previously. In my opinion, it's been a massive problem.

"Everyone has been so desperate to do well, and when it hasn't gone right, people have got on each other's backs.

"With the best will in the world, you're not going to be in the best frame of mind when other players are on your back every two minutes.

"But that was only because players were desperate to do well and it wasn't happening.

"Hopefully we've redirected the focus a little bit.

"None of us like getting criticised, none of us like not winning, none of us like not doing well or not playing well."

Reid returned to the starting line-up at Griffin Park after being sidelined with a broken nose.

However, he insists he doesn't feel any pressure from those on the sidelines who are eager to take his place.

"I don't, and that's not being disrespectful," said Reid.

"I just know that I need to play well regardless of who's behind me or on the bench or in the stand.

"I think the lads are pretty good, I hope they'd say the same about me, but the centre-halves wish each other the best before a game.

"If they know something about a player you're playing against, they'll tell you and help you.

"It's good, it shows you're in it all together rather than it all being cut-throat and trying to get each other out the team.

"I was delighted to be back.

"I've been real frustrated to be out for a couple of weeks, especially with the injury that it was.

"If you get a knock on your leg or you pull a muscle, then you accept that you're going to have to miss a couple of games.

"But to be sat there and feel fine when there's games is frustrating.

"Hopefully I've done enough to keep my shirt for this week."