Stags’ defender Krystian Pearce says everyone is ‘looking lively’ in training ahead of this Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Luton Town.
Pearce has started in the heart of the Stags’ defence in each of the last three games in all competitions and will be hoping to keep his place for Saturday’s visit of the Hatters.
Nathan Jones' men will pose the toughest test so far for the Stags following a very good start to the season.
They stormed to an outstanding 8-2 victory at home to Yeovil Town and a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Colchester United. The only disappointing result thus far has been the 1-0 defeat away to Barnet.
And the former Torquay United defender believes the squad are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting clash.
“I think all the boys are looking forward to it. Training’s been good; everyone’s looking lively in training so it should be a good performance from the lads.
“They’re probably one of the biggest clubs in the league and they’re probably going to be up there come the end of the season – but hopefully we’ll be above them!
“I think every game is going to be tough but Luton have got a very good strike force, but if I’m selected I’ll be trying my best to nullify them.
“It’s going to be a tough fixture. We’re trying to put [last] Saturday right and trying to get another three points on the board.”
The 27-year-old is one of five players vying for a starting place at the centre of the Stags’ defence with summer signings Zander Diamond and David Mirfin and fellow defenders Rhys Bennett and George Taft all capable of playing there.
And although Pearce is focussed on working hard to keep his place, he believes everyone will get their chance at some point this season.
"Everyone knows they’re going to be involved so it’s just about keeping your head right and making sure you’re ready when you’re called upon."
“Personally, I’m playing and I’m in the team and I’m just trying to keep my place in the team and collectively, I think the players are starting to gel well now and we’ll look like a solid team very soon.
“It’s very competitive at the back especially, because there’s a lot of centre-backs. Obviously Beno (Rhys Bennett) was Player of the Season last season and he hasn’t been able to get in yet, so it’s very competitive.
“Everyone knows they’re going to play this season, everyone knows they’re going to be involved so it’s just about keeping your head right and making sure you’re ready when you’re called upon.
“I think everybody in the squad has to be on it every day to be honest because there’s so much strength in depth. We’ve got a very good squad this season.”
Supporters can view Krystian Pearce’s news conference by logging into iFollow Stags.
