Fleetwood Town squad are challenged to defeat table-topping Hull City

Fleetwood have already met the Tigers on three occasions this season, winning once and losing twice.

Grayson has confidence in his side but respects what Grant McCann’s men have done.

He said: “It’s going to be a hard game because of where Hull are in the division – top of the table.

“No matter what division you are in, if you are playing top of the table who are looking for promotion with three weeks to go, you know you’re in for a difficult game but we know we can beat anyone.

“We have a group of players who have shown a lot of good attributes over the last few weeks – and it should be a burning desire to go and get the feather in your cap that you’ve beaten the team at the top of the division.

“We’re certainly respectful of them because they’ve done very well this season to be top of the division. They’ve given themselves a real strong chance.

“Grant will be saying to his side on Saturday that, if they win, they are one step closer to getting back to the Championship.

“Both teams will know that this is a tough game for each other.”

A positive going into today’s game is that Town are nearing a clean bill of health.

There are still a few question marks over certain players but, other than Charlie Mulgrew, all should get a chance to feature in the final half-dozen matches.

Grayson explained: “Sam Finley was off last weekend through illness and he’s been back training this week.

“Harrison Holgate has been making good progress from his hamstring injury that he suffered at Wimbledon, that will be touch and go whether we decide if he’s ready for the weekend.

“Other than that, Charlie Mulgrew is the only one who is out for the season.

“Glenn Whelan is making strong progress, he’s come back a lot quicker than everyone has expected with his Achilles.

“He’s back training and he’s played a few games for the U23s and reserve team.

“Is he ready just yet for the first team? Probably not, but who knows where that might take us between now and the end of the season?

“Callum Connolly has been fine when we’ve been training all week, he’s had no protection or anything like that. It tells you something about him.

“We’re in a good shape come Saturday – as it stands!”

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