Experienced midfielder Jamie McGuire says Mansfield Town’s squad are looking ‘fresh and strong’ after a two-week break from Sky Bet League Two action.
The Emirates FA Cup second round meant The Stags had a fixture-less weekend last Saturday, which gave Adam Murray’s men the chance to rejuvenate ahead of a busy festive schedule.
Reflecting briefly on the previous victory against Barnet just under a fortnight ago, 32-year-old McGuire hailed what has been a timely breather for the squad, but also adds that the players have grafted during the period as they aim to establish themselves in the Sky Bet League Two play-offs.
“Not many teams go to Barnet and do what we did. We stuck to our game plan, Reggie (Lambe) took his goal well, Greeny (Matt Green) did what he does, he’s a goalscorer.
“The break has been good for everyone, with the three points against Barnet away – we’ve worked on a few little things on the training ground which the gaffer’s wanted to do for the game on Saturday – the lads are looking fresh and strong.
“We’ve had our days off and we’ve rested but we’ve worked hard on the days we’ve come in – that’s part and parcel [of football].”
The Stags host eighth placed Leyton Orient at One Call Stadium on Saturday afternoon and McGuire is relishing the prospect of facing one of the division’s bigger teams, who happen to be one position below Mansfield in the table.
“We’re sitting in seventh place, [which is] a healthy position with the big boys at the moment, we’re doing really well. Leyton Orient will be up there [by the end of the season] – we’re at home and we’re looking forward to it. We need to kick on our home form now.
“It’s a big game… probably one of the biggest games in League Two. Orient have spent a bit of money, they’ve got a big budget but we’re not too bothered. We’ll worry about us, about our game plan – what the gaffer has put in place for us and hopefully get the three points.”
Concluding the news conference, McGuire had a message for Stags’ fans heading to One Call Stadium at the weekend: “Get behind us, we’re in seventh place. The boys are buzzing, the staff are buzzing, we’re working really hard at the moment. Come and be our twelfth man on Saturday.”
Watch the full interview with Jamie McGuire on Stags Player.
