Billy Blacker is back in contention for the visit of in-form Cheltenham Town to Prenton Park on Saturday, following a bout of illness.
The 19-year-old was missing for the 2-1 EFL Trophy win over Blackpool in midweek and has managed only three League Two starts this season following his loan move from Sheffield United in the summer.
Blacker expects a tough afternoon against Cheltenham. With only one defeat in their previous six games, the Robins’ manager Steve Cotterill picked up the October Manager of the Month award and the home side are looking to record back-to-back victories this weekend.
Speaking to MerseySportLive, Blacker said: “We know that they’ve been in good form since their new manager has taken over so we know it will be a battle but we’re ready to overcome that battle and hopefully win.
“I’ve only been in training since Thursday because of my illness, but I’ve just been doing what I normally do which is training really hard and working towards the game on the weekends.”
With only one win in their last six League Two games, the atmosphere at Prenton Park could be crucial during Saturday’s match and the midfielder said “We want to hear the noise as we always do so, please get behind us on Saturday.’’
The teenager recorded his first professional goal off the bench in a 4-2 defeat to league leaders Walsall in September, but Blacker feels that to make more of an impact, he’d like to be on the ball from the first minute.
“Obviously it’s quite hard to get involved in the game when you’re not starting but when you come on, you try to make an impact for the team.
“Whether you’re winning or losing you try and work your socks off but obviously it’s easier when you’re starting game.”
Whichever way the youngster is involved on Saturday, he feels that there are details that the side must get right if they are to beat The Robins.
He said: “We have to work really hard both on and off the ball so we’re going to try and maintain possession and win as many second balls as possible.
“We just have to get the basics right and then hopefully the game will go in our favour.”
A win for the Tranmere could take Crosby’s side as high as 14th in League Two which would quieten some of the talk of a relegation scrap.
But, if 22nd placed Cheltenham are at the races for the three o’clock kick-off, they would overtake Rovers in the table, a situation that would ultimately place more pressure on Crosby and his team.
