WEB EXCLUSIVE – McCann feeling 'rejuvenated' after break
SCUNTHORPE United's enforced two-week break has left midfielder Grant McCann feeling 'rejuvenated'.
McCann was away in Albania with Northern Ireland during the first week and then got 70 minutes under his belt in the reserves disappointing 5-0 defeat against Leicester this week.
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Grant McCann
After starting three of United's last four games on the substitutes bench, McCann was delighted to play two games rather than just train for two weeks.
And the 29-year-old is hoping the break has set him up for a strong finish to the season with United.
"Hopefully the couple of weeks away from the club will have rejuvenated me a bit and given me a little boost," McCann told www.sportscunny.co.uk ahead of this weekend's trip to Ipswich Town.
"I had the game (with Northern Ireland) and then the game with the reserves when I played about 70 minutes.
"But I would rather play in those games than train, I think you get more benefit.
"I've said a couple of times that I think I had a little dip in form last month.
"But sometimes getting away from the club for a while gives you a little boost and it has done me the world of good.
"Hopefully that will get me back in the first team and I can get on with trying to help this club stay where I think it belongs, in the Championship."
The break wasn't the happiest for McCann however.
The former Cheltenham Town man played 90 minutes of his country's shock 1-0 loss in Albania.
He then played in a team packed with fellow first-team regulars in the reserves' defeat to a youthful Leicester side.
"I'm sure the lads will be champing at the bit for a game but it's not been that much of a break for me," McCann added.
"Especially in Albania, which took a lot out of everybody.
"The trip was okay, the condition of the pitch was well documented but we can't blame the way we played out there on the pitch.
"To a man, everybody was appalling to be honest and at the end of the day they just dealt with the pitch better than us which was why they won the game.
"The reserve result was disappointing as well, but at the end of the day it was just a reserve game and I was just glad it wasn't a first-team game!"
Read much more from McCann, Joe Murphy and Nigel Adkins with the usual five pages of Matchday preview in Friday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
10 Comments
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by Dave, Paris
Friday, March 12 2010, 9:39PM
“Rob and Dan I take it you don't actually watch the games you go to? I mean it is easy to see when someone scores a goal but it seems you can't see how many times this season the midfield has left the back four out to dry. We need to tighten up in the centre and playing McCann would not aid the defence at all. we need to play the wingers to aid the attack and Toggs and O'Conner to hold the middle and doing the job no one likes doing, the graft. Hinds, Goodwin, Cork, Trotter all good defencive midfielders who have never been replaced over the last few years”
by SheffCityCentreIron, Sheffield
Friday, March 12 2010, 12:38PM
“It s a shame that McCann's work rate isnt as strong as his talent. if the lad ran more and played his socks off I dont think anyone on here would leave him out of the team. Lets be honest Hayes isnt exactly known for his 100% effort throughout the game, but would anyone leave him out - doubtfull.
I agree to play McCann and Toggers. For me O'Conner hasnt lived up to the bright start he had, plus he is due another red card.
We need a win tomorrow, but draws away from home may have to do, with 3 points being gained at home. A defeat is not an option!
Up The Iron!!!!!!!”
by kevin, king edward street
Friday, March 12 2010, 9:36AM
“yep, 3-1 defeat tomorrow me thinks, with mc cann to score as a 60th minute sub no doubt”
by P.Doff, Effortsville
Friday, March 12 2010, 9:02AM
“There is no doubt he scores goals some not from set pieces but don't let that blind you as does his international status.
He has undoubted talent BUT through lack of effort and commitment he is only 50% there when playing for us.
Jones does give us 100% but 100% of a League Two defender - he simply is not good enough.
Agree with Steve, 3-1 to Ipswich tomorrow.”
by Steve, London
Friday, March 12 2010, 12:47AM
“Sorry Rob and Dan, but if you watched McCant away from from home (where the truth is), he rarely tries unless he comes on as a late sub (Coventry)and he has a point to prove.
He has talent but is a lazy ass. We need workhorses away from home.
No points at Ipswich I'm afraid.”