Northampton Town Under 18s manager Jon Brady wants his team to be 'ready to go' when they travel to AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Youth Alliance League on Saturday morning.
Brady was speaking at youth team training on Friday.
He said, “There’s been loads of positives and the boys are doing really well.
“They’re gaining confidence and playing much better as a team which is important.
“Overall, I’ve been really happy with them.”
The Cobblers youngsters have lost their only away league game so far this season, their narrow 1-0 defeat to MK Dons and Brady added, “Playing away shouldn’t change anything because we’ve prepared very well.
“However, it’s always very tough to go away to AFC Wimbledon because it’s a really early start.
“We’ve got to ensure that we’re ready to go when we get there.”
The squad have battled with injuries and illnesses early in the campaign, and Brady said, “We’ve gone back to the stage where we’ve got a few more out and that gives opportunities for others.
“Players have returned from lockdown less fit and we’ve got to get them back to that stage.
"Some are finding it tough and these are young boys, so we’ve got to expect there’s going to be injuries, soreness, stiffness and illness.”