Justin Amaluzor says the Mariners are determined to carry their momentum into the play-offs as they prepare for Saturday’s final league fixture away at Tranmere Rovers.
With Town already assured of a top-seven finish, the winger says the focus remains firmly on maintaining standards and finishing the regular season strongly.
Here’s everything he had to say ahead of the trip to Prenton Park…
On the mood after securing the play-offs
Amaluzor admitted spirits have been high around the training ground since last weekend’s emphatic win.
“It’s been an unbelievable week,” he said.
“We’re buzzing around the training ground and ready to attack the play-offs now.
“It’s the last game of the season before the play-offs, so we’re looking forward to it.”
On celebrating the achievement
While there was time for the squad to enjoy the moment together, Amaluzor says everyone knows there is still work to do.
“We celebrated a bit,” he said.
“As a team, we went out together for a bit of bonding.
“But we haven’t properly celebrated yet because the job’s not really done.”
On refocusing for Saturday
The winger says the positive atmosphere in camp has made it easier to quickly turn attention to the next challenge.
“It’s been good,” he said.
“Because we’re in high spirits, it’s been easier to focus on the next task ahead.
“It’s been very good around the training ground.”
On his recent run in the side
Having started the last few matches, Amaluzor says building rhythm has been important for both confidence and performances.
“It’s been good,” he said.
“I’m pretty sure it’s the first time I’ve started three games in a row this season.
“It’s always good to get momentum, especially at this part of the season.
“It’s been really good for my confidence and for my playing.”
On hard work paying off
Amaluzor believes persistence and effort have been key to earning his chance in the side.
“First things first, you’ve got to work hard,” he said.
“That’s what I’ve been doing.
“I’m a believer that if you work hard, you always get an opportunity.
“I feel like this is my opportunity now and I’ve got to do all I can to keep my place.”
On the Swindon performance
Reflecting on last weekend’s 4-0 win at Blundell Park, Amaluzor felt the team’s mindset before kick-off showed what was coming.
“It was a top clash, but I don’t think it was cagey for us,” he said.
“We were buzzing from the start.
“I could have told you in the changing room before the game that we were going to win.
“Everyone was up for it, even the lads on the bench.
“It was a very good show of how good our team is and how good our squad is.”
On the sold-out atmosphere
Amaluzor praised the supporters for creating an electric environment throughout the afternoon.
“The penalty after seven minutes definitely helped,” he said.
“The crowd was buzzing after that.
“The atmosphere was a joke from minute one to minute 90.
“That helped us 100%.”
On his bond with Jaze Kabia
The winger also spoke warmly about his close relationship with Town’s leading scorer.
“Me and Jaze are pretty close,” he said.
“We’ve got a good group together.
“We’re all very close and that helps.”
On taking momentum into the play-offs
Amaluzor says Saturday’s trip to Tranmere is an important opportunity to keep standards high heading into the knockout stage.
“100%,” he said.
“You want momentum going into the play-offs.
“The last thing we need is losing going into them.
“So we’ll give it our all and try to take that momentum forward.”
On the challenge of Tranmere
With the hosts fighting for survival, Amaluzor expects a difficult test but says Town will stay true to themselves.
“The pressure’s on them to win,” he said.
“They have to win.
“I’ve been in that position before when you’re fighting relegation, so they’ll leave it all out there.
“But we’re just going to play our game like we always do and outwork teams.”
On who Town may face next
Amaluzor says there is little focus on potential play-off opponents.
“I won’t be checking that,” he said.
“We’ve been very good against every team in the play-offs.
“Whoever we get, I feel like we’ve got half a chance.”
On 2,000 travelling Mariners
The winger was full of praise for the incredible away support expected on Merseyside.
“I didn’t even know we were taking 2,000, that’s crazy,” he said.
“That just goes to show you.
“They’ve been amazing all season.
“The fact we’re taking 2,000 to Liverpool is a joke.
“Credit to them.”
With confidence high and momentum building, the Mariners now head to Tranmere looking to end the regular season strongly before turning full focus to the play-offs.
You can watch Justin Amaluzor’s full pre-match interview below:
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