Andy Crosby believes Tranmere’s midweek clash at Barrow provides a chance to lay down a marker heading into the Christmas period.
Rovers sit just six points behind the play-off spots despite a mixed start to the season, and the manager reckons the next nine fixtures are crucial in determining which way their campaign heads.
He said: “We’re in a good run of form. We’ve picked up seven points from our last three matches, so we go there in confident mood.
“We’ve got internal targets for this block of nine games and it can (have an impact on the whole season). Barrow is the first and most important one right now and it’s crucial that we start stamping our authority on what we’re trying to do.
“We’ve had a great week in training off the back of Tuesday night, so we’re more than prepared for this game.”
A successful November has allowed Tranmere to look up the table rather than over their shoulders, however Crosby insists The Whites have the potential to be even stronger.
“I think we’re playing better but there’s a lot more to come from us and we have to get it out of ourselves,” he added. “It’s my job and the players’ job to do that.
“It’s our collective responsibility now to improve our performances to become a consistent team.
“We’ve got some real strengths, but it’s now about trying to put all the pieces together. There’s more in this group to be higher than we currently are.”
Rovers are set to be boosted by the return of Kristian Dennis, who is now available to start a league game for the first time since September.
Despite his injury woes, the veteran striker has managed three goals up to now – including a dramatic late winner at Grimsby Town last week – and Crosby is delighted by the marksman’s return.
He said: “He was brilliant for me in the final 13 games of last season and we missed him when he was injured.
“I’m not sure if anyone else in our squad could score the goal he did at Grimsby.
“He smells the danger, he knows where to be. He’s been frustrated by his injury because he knows he’s closer to the end of his career. But he’s an absolute joy to work with and we love having him here.”
Tranmere have already faced Barrow once this season, recording a 2-1 win in the EFL Trophy, but the ex-Port Vale boss says they must improve on that performance.
Said Crosby: “We played well that night and created some good opportunities. But we gave them a few too many chances, so we have to tighten up ourselves.
“They’ve got a good way of playing and a strong squad, but we’re more than ready for the game.”
