Mark expecting positive reaction at Hillsborough
Mark Robins told htafc.com that his players have got something to prove following their poor showing against Birmingham last time out.
The Terriers succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at home to the Blues and Robins is expecting a reaction when his players take to the field at Hillsborough on Saturday, 12.15pm.
“Our performance against Birmingham was very poor,” Mark said. “Besides from that performance and for one half against Barnsley, we have done pretty well this season. We have had a decent week’s training ahead of tomorrow’s game, but that will mean nothing if we don’t produce.
“Everything about the game is exciting. The atmosphere, the derby element and the fact that we are live on Sky Sports is to be looked forward to; we have got something to prove.
“One or two lads, if given the opportunity, need to step up and put in a better performance,” he added.
Top scorer James Vaughan will return from suspension to captain Town in the absence of the injured Peter Clarke and Robins expects the responsibility to have a good effect on the former Evertonian.
“Being captain will be good for him and people will follow his example,” he said. “He has been chomping at the bit over the past two weeks and has worked hard to get himself ready. I am pleased to have him back and we are a different side when he is in it.
“He is very serious about the responsibility, but just to have him back on the pitch is a major boost for us. I just want him to play his normal game, I am not expecting anything extra special from him as captain. He will work as hard as he possibly can do for the team.
“He was disappointed to miss the games and is ready to come back in; being captain will give him an extra incentive.”
As a result of Vaughan’s return and those of Martin Paterson from injury and Cristian Lopez from his loan spell at Shrewsbury, striker Daniel Carr was allowed to join Fleetwood Town for a month.
The young striker has scored in virtually every game that he has played in for Town’s Development Squad and Mark explained his thinking behind the short term move.
“He has gone to get some experience because those that have seen him play will understand that he isn’t quite ready for the Championship, yet,” he told htafc.com.
“He has done ever so well in the Development games and I want him to try and develop his goal scoring habit into first team football. He needs games, but that is something that I can’t give him at the moment. Hopefully he will go to Fleetwood and be productive.”
Town will be a defender short in the absence of Clarke and Robins has called upon one of his other defenders to step up and make their mark, starting at Wednesday this Saturday.
“We have got players within the squad who will want to prove that they are worth a place. It is an opportunity for someone. I am always looking to try and strengthen if the right players are available, but I will only make decisions that are right for the football club.
“The right player hasn’t become available, but I am sure that if one did then I would have some assistance.”
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