Coach Martin Drury backs Huddersfield Town players to show big game mentality once more
Huddersfield Town coach Martin Drury says his players have the mentality to raise their game for a second big match in three days.
Both the Terriers and Tuesday’s visitors Luton Town have won their last four matches, but backing up Saturday's draining 3-0 derby victory at Bradford City will be a tall order for Drury’s men.
"The game will come down to mentality after a tough game on Saturday," said the coach, who picks from the same squad with captain Ryan Ledson completing a three-match suspension.
"We had a tough derby on Saturday, so I often feel Tuesdays, as much as there's some tactical elements, a lot of it will come down to mentality.
"But they (Town's players) were in on Sunday, we trained on Monday and any moments where we've not felt it's quite there, we're honest and we're vocal with each other.
"I've not seen anyone roll their eyes or throw their arms up, it doesn't happen.
"They're pushing each other really well. I'm probably having to do less and less from that point of view but sometimes it's nice when they give you a reason to.
"Joe Taylor said it after the game – Saturday doesn't count for much if we don't follow it up on Tuesday."
Luton were in the Premier League in 2024 but after showing patience with coach Jack Wilshere, Drury feels they are getting to grips with the transition to League One.
"When you've had success as a club and you've been in the Premier League, when you find yourself in League One you can have that entitlement or victim mentality," he said.
"You have to accept where you are and find a way to get success again.
"If you look at what Jack's done, their performance levels and the way that they look now to 12 months ago, they're so much better and I’m guessing that's because he's just made things better over time.
"Things take time and he's got good coaching staff around him with a good group of players.
"I'm pleased that he was given time because he was doing some really good things last season and this season they look even better.
"I'm under no illusions in terms of the challenge but our players feel confident and they almost take a step forward the greater the challenge, or they have done so far."