Cobblers midfielder Rose excited by Fratton Park challenge

Cobblers midfielder Danny Rose admits matches like Saturday's at Portsmouth are what being a footballer is all about.
Fratton Park is set to be packed for the visit of the Cobblers on SaturdayFratton Park is set to be packed for the visit of the Cobblers on Saturday
Fratton Park is set to be packed for the visit of the Cobblers on Saturday

The Cobblers travel to Fratton Park for their final game of a remarkable season, with promotion and the Sky Bet League Two title long ago in the bag.

Portsmouth are also guaranteed a play-off place, so the fixture has nothing of note riding on it - but Rose insists there is plenty of inspirations for him and his Cobblers team-mates.

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Almost 3,000 Cobblers supporters are going to packed into the away end and a near-capacity crowd of close to 20,000 at the home of the league two giants will be in attendance, and Rose can’t wait for the game to start.

Danny RoseDanny Rose
Danny Rose

“Playing in those types of atmospheres are why you aspire to be a professional footballer,” said Rose.

“These type of games don’t come around often at this level, and it is one to look forward to.

“When you looked at the fixtures, it was probably one where the club didn’t want to going into needing something from it because it is going to be a tough one.

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“But it is brilliant that we have got ourselves into the position we are in, and we can go there, and the fans can go there and really enjoy the occasion.

“I have played at Portsmouth a couple of times before, and the atmosphere is electric there all the time.

“With 3,000 away fans also travelling, that is a remarkable amount, and I am sure they will be singing all game.

“Hopefully we can get ourselves the result to finish the season on a high.”

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Manager Chris Wilder has already spoken this week that his team won’t be easing up for what will be their last game of a long season, and Rose reiterated that.

Danny RoseDanny Rose
Danny Rose

“I guess teams and players at times can take their foot off the pedal a bit and relax,” said the former Oxford United man.

“But even since we got over the line in the Bristol Rovers game, you can see from our performances that we haven’t let up and we haven’t taken our foot off the gas.

“There are players still playing for contracts, playing for places, and as a player all these things are taken into consideration when you take to the field.

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“We are professionals and it is not a nice feeling when you lose games, so we will definitely be going there on Saturday to get the three points.

“Whether Portsmouth’s attitude changes as they are already in the play-offs, that is not for us to worry about, but we will be going there to get the win.”