“There are no egos, they’re all hard-working, they want to do well and it makes my life easier for sure" - Forest Green Rovers boss Ian Burchnall ahead of Accrington Stanley visit

Forest Green Rovers boss Ian Burchnall heaped the praise on his current crop ahead of Accrington Stanley’s visit to The Bolt New Lawn on Tuesday evening.

Rovers have made a solid start to League One life following their hard-fought point at Sincil Bank on Saturday that proved they’ll be no pushovers at any ground this season.

Connor Wickham’s impact from the bench was exactly the level of performance fans will be keen to see more of as the season develops, and Burchnall was keen to talk up the positive impact he’s had on the group.

“We know where his top-level sits, I think so far, he’s enjoying it with a smile on his face. He’s a smart player, I think he’ll help us manage games where we need key moments but also add quality in and around the goal. His hold-up play, link-play, and his finishing are top drawer. It was a great step for him to come in and give 30 minutes of quality is a good starting point.”

His well-taken goal and mature performance gained top marks from the manager, but the more he produces moments of quality, the talks of extending his deal beyond January will soon be on the horizon.

“We’ve kept it open, we said at the start that we hope this arrangement can benefit both everybody. Connor wanted to get back on the pitch and show he’s got a lot to offer.

“We wanted someone who can offer goals, then when it comes round to January, we’ll have that discussion to see if it’s working, we have an open mind about it,” added Burchnall.

Stanley’s home match against Burton Albion on Saturday was one of the more entertaining games for the neutral but would’ve had manager John Coleman a little frustrated with the manner of the goals conceded.

A 4-4 draw with 90th and 96th-minute goals rescued a point