Johnnie Jackson has been pleased with the response from Jack Currie on the training pitch in the build-up to tomorrow’s visit to League Two leaders Leyton Orient.
“Obviously there was a lot spoken about Jack during the week,” said Johnnie in an extensive interview at our training ground after Friday’s final preparations for the London derby. “He’s still with us and still our player.
“He’s been great, despite all the noise surrounding him this week. We’ve had some really good chats and he’s been first class on the training pitch. All you want from your lads is that they give you everything out there. Knowing Jack, if he comes back into the team, he’ll perform as he did before. It was great to see him out there with the rest of the lads.”
Having added three further additions to our ranks, just before the January transfer window slammed shut late on Tuesday night, Johnnie now has strength in depth as we aim to complete the double over Saturday’s hosts.
“I’ve got a big squad to choose from now,” said Johnnie. “There’s a lot of competition for places, everyone is fit, so I have to look at who is available to me and decide what way to go with it. There’s going to be eleven lucky lads and a lot who are going to be disappointed not to be playing."
“That’s what I wanted from the squad – competition for places. I don’t want anyone to feel comfortable with their position in the team. Having that jeopardy, knowing that if you’re not doing it week in, week out, then there’s someone ready to take your spot. I think that’s healthy for any squad that wants to be ambitious and go and win things.
“It was a big game for us, the last time we met Leyton Orient. We knew what we were up against with them coming to us as the best side in the league. To put on the performance we did that night - to go toe-to-toe with them and get the points - it was a really good marker as to where we were at. I think we’ve continued that upward trajectory since."
“It will be a good time to test ourselves again, on the back of a very good win last week against a really good side. Stockport are a team me and a lot of people expect to be right in the shake-up come the end of the season. It’ll be another big test on Saturday and it'll be good to see where we’re at.
“We were talking in the office this morning about our allocation being sold out. Leyton Orient are well supported, so it’s going to be a really good occasion. It’s always good when you’ve got that sizeable away support as it adds to the flavour and the atmosphere. Hopefully, we can put on a show for them and send them home happy.”
Watch the full ten-minute interview with Johnnie Jackson below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.