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Scunthorpe head into the game looking to bounce back from the 4-1 away defeat at Cheltenham Town at the weekend, as they host Phillip Cocu’s Rams.
The Championship outfit have a win and draw to show from their first two league games, and Hurst expects a tough challenge.
He told iFollow Iron: “It will be a really tough game no matter what team they put out. I know sometimes a lot of higher ranked clubs change their team around. We’re not sure if that will be the case or not, but whichever Derby team turn up, I’m sure it will still be full of quality and be difficult for us.
“A new manager has gone in there and I’m sure whoever plays will be keen to impress him. At the same time, it’s an opportunity for our lads to raise their game and show what they can do. No matter who we’re playing against, I think the biggest thing is the performance tomorrow night, to show we’re better than how we played (at the weekend) – certainly in that second period.
“Whoever you come up against, you have to be willing to work hard and put a performance in. That doesn’t always match up with the result but you at least give yourself a chance. The last thing I want is Derby to turn up, and literally that’s all they have to do to win the game.
“We know it will be a difficult task but we’ve got to make it tough – run hard, be brave to get on the ball, and show more quality than we did at the weekend on the ball to create our own opportunities and see if we can be one of those teams that causes a shock. We need to show a willingness and desire to want to be out there and work hard.
“(A cup run) would be nice. Obviously, because of how our first two league games have gone, we’re keen to get a result in the league but at the same time a cup run is always good. Whichever team they put out, we know it will be difficult but a good test for the players and a challenge we have to rise to.”
Two players who were in the side at the weekend will miss the game, as Hurst explained further.
He said: “Kyle Wootton got a bit of concussion, which we didn’t know until after the game on Saturday. We saw it happen but he said he was okay at the time, then afterwards Michael (McBride, head of medical services) checked him out and unfortunately he showed signs of concussion. We’ve monitored him and gone through the protocol, so he’ll be unavailable tomorrow night but all being well will be able to return to training on Friday, and then able to be involved again on Saturday.
“The other one missing from the weekend is Jordan Clarke, who had a quad injury, but we’re hopeful it’s nothing more than just tomorrow night he’ll be unavailable for.
“We’re pleased we get Perchy back for tomorrow night (with his three game suspension just being restricted to league matches), albeit we’ll lose him again on Saturday.
“We’re again a little short on numbers but we still have enough to put a team out and that side has to go out there and work hard, and put in a performance where they can go home and be satisfied with their night’s work.”
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