Michael Appleton has said his Lincoln City side will remain humble following an impressive start of the 2020/21 campaign.
The Imps currently sit top of the Sky Bet League One table following four consecutive league victories, the latest coming against Blackpool FC last weekend when City came from behind to win 3-2.
Michael is pleased with the start his side have had but says the hard work won’t stop as the Imps face Bristol Rovers at LNER Stadium this weekend.
“I am delighted with everything and the contribution everyone has put in.
“The start we have had to the season has been impressive, but we will stay humble and work hard. We will continue to make it hard for the opposition.” He said.
The Imps faced Mansfield Town in EFL Trophy action on Tuesday, Appleton’s side came out 3-1 winners with Jamie Soule, Anthony Scully and Theo Archibald all finding the back of the net.
Michael explained how it was a good opportunity for players to get minutes and put on an impressive display.
“The performances have been at a level to make it difficult for other lads to come in, so Tuesday’s message was to get them to show me what they’ve got.
“We have a good squad of players who are reliable when called upon.”
The City boss continued by highlighting Sean Roughan and TJ Eyoma’s performances in defence, with the pair coming in more central from their usual full back positions and went on to say how having a versatile squad is important: “We knew we would need a small squad, so we needed players who can play in various positions.
“You get that versatility with a younger squad and we have seen that on Tuesday with the two centre backs.
“Sean and TJ’s performances on Tuesday was pleasing for everybody and it showed the ability they have to play a variety of positions.”
Michael turned his attention to league action explaining how his side have faced tough opponents in their opening fixtures and that the hard work will continue ahead of this weekend’s clash.
“When I looked at our fixture list, I knew it would be a tough start, it has been tough, but we have come on the right side of the results.
“We will prepare well for upcoming opponents and be ready for them.”
One of the opening fixtures Michael’s side faced was former Premier League team Blackpool. The Imps boss was delighted with his side’s second half performance as they came from behind to pick up their fourth set of three points this season.
“The boys showed great character to come from behind and win the game against Blackpool,” said Michael.
“You sort of forget we have had nine competitive games, we have won eight of them so we will continue to work hard and play our style to beat the opposition.”
Looking ahead to Bristol Rovers, the side who travel to LNER Stadium on Saturday, Michael looks forward to the challenge they will pose his team.
“Bristol probably feel they haven’t had the start they wanted, they invested over the summer and they have a big squad.
“They are physical, and they will try to dominate us, but we will look to match that and deal with it in the right way,
“We’ve got some lads unavailable for tomorrow. Brennan is away with Wales; he played a big part in the squad last week and we’ve got a few injuries so we will see who’s available to start.”
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