Rosler hails Aussie power in tough week for Fleetwood

Town’s gruelling 120-minute League Cup tie against a physical Carlisle side was sandwiched between Saturday League wins over Rotherham and Northampton.

And one man who impressed head coach Rosler with his mental strength was on-loan Burnley midfielder O’Neill.

The 19-year-old replaced George Glendon at half-time at Sixfields last weekend to add bite, and it was that aggression which saw O’Neill win the ball back and tee up Devante Cole to score the winner in the 75th minute.

And Rosler was pleased with the solid presence the half-time substitute added to the middle of the park.

He said: “We needed more physicality. They picked up far too many second balls in there and it was a big ask for Aiden after Tuesday.

“He had only played one game over 90 minutes in pre-season and he did well on Tuesday over 120 minutes.

“I wasn’t sure that he had enough in the tank for another 45 but he had.

“That is what I have experienced with Australian players and I have had a few of them.

“They are mentally very strong and they have a high pain threshold.

“Aiden helped us very much in the second half, with the way he addressed the game physically in the middle of the pitch.”

Keeper Alex Cairns has hit the world stage this week, with over 10 million online views of his spectacular triple save against The Cobblers.

But despite his heroics and clean sheet, Rosler admits Town rode their luck at Northampton and says there are things they need to address before welcoming Wimbledon to Highbury on Saturday.

He added: “I think it is important (to keep clean sheets)but in periods we were lucky and I think we need to address that.

““Mentally it was a tough week for us, with the 120 minutes against Carlisle.

“The players got two days off (after the game). I think after that break we will have a good week’s training.

“We will address what we have to and then we will go again.”