Rotherham United midfielder Matt Crooks is hopeful that he and his teammates are able to harness the positivity surrounding the club following two wins in a week as they travel to Bloomfield Road to face Blackpool this weekend.
The Millers put high-flying Coventry City to the sword at AESSEAL New York Stadium a week ago before a rotated team saw off the challenge of Doncaster Rovers in the Leasing.com Trophy on Tuesday night.
With positive vibes engulfing the club’s Roundwood training base following two impressive results, Crooks, who netted twice in his last outing, has called upon the Millers to exude confidence as they visit the Seasiders on Saturday.
“It is nice to be back in the goals and to see the team playing well,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It was a performance that I'd expect from us and hopefully one that we can continue to build on.
“The lads did well on Tuesday as well so hopefully we have a bit of forward momentum now and we can get into the habit of winning games and getting three points.
“We've got a few fixtures coming up against teams at the higher end of the table so it is a confidence booster for us, knowing that we can play against teams such as Coventry. We know we're a good side and we saw them off quite comprehensively really.”
Saturday’s opponents are recently revitalised following the change in ownership and the return of Simon Grayson as the club’s manager and with the Millers backed by a following of around 2,000 as they travel to Blackpool, Crooks is relishing the test of facing one of the division’s early frontrunners.
“We're going there expecting a tough game but one that we know if we play to our highest level we can get something,” he continued.
“To be fair, I enjoy playing in front of the bigger crowds, it always gives me that bit more and I have a smile on my face walking out the tunnel when you can hear the fans.
“It is what you wanted to do when you were a kid playing, so I'll embrace it and enjoy it. I've never played at Blackpool so this will be my first time there and it is another one to tick off the list.
“We have found already this season that no matter who we come up against, each game presents a different challenge.”
The 4-4-1-1 system deployed by Millers boss Paul Warne last weekend saw Crooks operating in a role just off close friend and teammate Michael Smith, in a performance which saw the pair both net braces.
The towering midfielder concluded by adding that the opportunity to link up with Smith was akin to times of old, explaining he enjoyed the chance to work in a more advanced midfield role.
“Playing off Smudge was like last year all over again,” Crooks continued.
“It doesn’t give me license to do my own thing because I know my responsibilities in the team, but it does give me a bit more freedom to get about the pitch and get onto the ball in different areas.
“I just think it is one of those things whereby we seem to work well together on the field and I get on really well with him off it.”