MARK McCHRYSTAL is confident Tranmere can move back into the race for a play-off spot with a run of positive results during the festive programme
The Irishman, who has returned to the heart of the defence, is upbeat about Rovers’ prospects in spite of a run of poor results that have yielded one point from the last 15 available.
McChrystal said: “We are still looking to push for a play-off place. We have three games coming up in December and if we go into the New Year sitting in the top half of the table, it will be positive.
“We are in a group of six or seven teams within a couple of points of each other, so it is all to play for.”
McChrystal’s view is backed up by midfielder Andy Robinson.
He said: “We all know as players that the Christmas period is a good time to pick up points quickly. A good Christmas can set us up nicely and send us into the New Year full of confidence.
“We have two Christmas games at home (to Rochdale on December 26 and Bury on December 30) and we have a points tally for the month in our heads.”
Tranmere’s first objective is to post a first League One win since the end of October at the expense of Stevenage on Saturday.
Rovers will be making their first ever visit to Broadhall Way to face a side who achieved Football League status in 2010 and won promotion to League One at the first attempt last season, via the play-offs.
McChrystal said: “We are all working hard to turn things around and Stevenage will be a very difficult game.”
The 27-year-old, who spent two months on the sidelines with an injury to the arch of his foot, returned to the side for the 2-0 home defeat to MK Dons after Ian Goodison was put out of action with a hamstring injury.
McChrystal said: “It is positive for me that I am back in the starting XI after being out for so long but last Saturday was pretty disappointing.
“That was MK Dons’ Šseventh win on the bounce so they are a good side and we have to take that into account.”
Robinson, who also experienced a lengthy lay-off with a hamstring problem, returned to the side three games ago. But with his favoured role in the hole just behind the striker taken by loanee Jose Baxter, Robinson has found himself deployed on the left side of midfield.
Robinson said: “I have played on the left for most of my career. To have Jose Baxter in the team is a good thing for this club. We played together in the last three games and it’s not worked out but if we have good players on the pitch and they can communicate well, we should get results.
“Jose Baxter is a smashing lad and he is definitely helping this club.”
Goodison is one of several casualties in the Prenton Park treatment room.
Right-back Dave Raven has a thigh injury, ŠZoumana Bakayogo a knee problem, Šgoalkeeper Owain Fon Williams is recovering from a broken hand and wide midfielder Lucas Akins suffered a heel injury during the MK Dons game last Saturday.
