Stags’ captain/assistant manager Adam Murray believes there are plenty of positives to take in to tomorrow’s cup tie against Sheffield United from Saturday’s loss at Northampton Town.
Speaking at this morning's pre-match press conference, Murray said: “There were a lot of productive things said in the team meeting yesterday, and everybody is on the same page,”Looking forward to the Capital One Cup tie at Brammall Lane tomorrow, Murray said: “We’re going to [play] a huge club in a higher division, so we’ve got to be realistic about the game that we’re facing but it’s ninety minutes of football that we’ll be looking to get something out of, and most importantly build on the good bits that we took out of Saturday.
“After the expectations which pre-season set, it was a crash down to reality on Saturday and a realisation of the challenge we face this season.
“We have a lot of new players, the majority being young who hold heaps of potential. These boys need a little patience and time to gel and when this is done I believe this will be a real bonus to our ongoing development."
The last time the two sides met was back in 1989 in the old Third Division with the Stags running out 2-1 winners at Bramall Lane.
With regard to team selection, Murray kept his cards quite close to his chest, however he did admit that Ollie Palmer will undergo a fitness test tomorrow after he picked up a knock on Saturday.
“Ollie turned his ankle during Saturday’s game. He will continue treatment over the next 24 hours and will be assessed again tomorrow.”
The Blades themselves are nursing a couple of injuries following their opening day defeat to Bristol City, with defender Robert Harris and 23-year-old midfielder James Wallace both facing a race against time to be fit for the visit of Paul Cox's men.
