Adkins: Iron have fresh impetus after break

NIGEL Adkins has warned his players to ignore Ipswich Town's lowly position in the league tomorrow and instead focus on the direct threat they pose.

The Scunthorpe United boss made the trip to Portman Road in midweek to watch the Tractor Boys beat Cardiff City 2-0 and extend their gap away from the relegation zone to four points.

If the Iron are to mirror Ipswich's climb up the table, Adkins knows they must quickly get back into some form following a two-week break from action.

"There's a new, fresh impetus about us," he said, reflecting on the team's trip to Champney's in Leicestershire.

"We've tried to turn not having a game into a positive and for me, it's been good.

"I went to watch Ipswich on Tuesday.

"What are they doing down the bottom of the league? I don't know. You'll have to ask Roy Keane that.

"They were outstanding the other night.

"They play a very high tempo, very direct way of football and are a massive threat at set-plays with the players they've got.

"They've got a good crowd down there, the stadium is lovely, the pitch is lovely.

"It's going to be one hell of a game.

"I still wouldn't rule out a push for them to get in the play-offs, strange as that may seem.

"We can go there and get something but we are well aware of the way they play.

"Concentration levels need to be high and you've got to make the right decisions at the right times.

"You will get punished for the slightest little mistakes now.

"You've go to have the desire to get to the ball before the opposition and defend the goal with your life. Then seize on every opportunity to score."

To read the full story, including Nigel Adkins on the return to fitness of Rob Jones, see Friday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.