Scunthorpe's Manny Onariase is happy to be back in the squad after missing two games through illness.

The defender returned to the starting line-up on Saturday for his side's game against Exeter City and despite a 2-0 loss, the player is pleased to be back as he told the club's official media: "I'm feeling better now to have got through the game. The game was quite difficult to get my match fitness back up. The mental side of it is very important; the gaffer stresses it. I've got my head in the game and I'm feeling better now.

"It's just momentum and getting a run of the games and getting a routine. You do things without doubting yourself - I need to get back into the momentum and the swing of things. Games are coming thick and fast and we need to get into them and get three points."

The defender was disappointed with the result though which sees his side stuck in the relegation zone, three points from safety. He said: "It's disappointing, I feel that we know what we're capable of but we've slipped up in the last few games and performances. I think we, as the gaffer says, need a reaction to get back on track.

"In the first half there wasn't much danger on our goal, we defender well so we were hoping to replicate that in the second half."

The Verdict:

With Scunthorpe struggling in the league, they will be glad to see Onariase able to return to the squad. In the two games without the defender, the Irons conceded 5 goals.

Onariase played alongside 19-year-old Luke Matheson who made his debut on Saturday and 'enjoyed' playing alongside him. Therefore, if the two defenders can form a good relationship on the pitch, it could really help them in the second half of the season.

It is good to see the 25-year-old feeling well again and hopefully he will remain in good health for the rest of the season as he tries to help his team escape the drop out of the Football League.