Reds bid to ‘Shake’ Flitcroft’s stars

The Shakers, led by former Reds boss David Flitcroft, are just a point outside the League One play-off places.

But Johnson is confident his charges will respond positively to the defeat against Wigan last weekend and get one over on their former boss.

“He’ll have an added incentive personally to get the result,” he said. “But for us it’s about getting three points and I believe we can.

“They’ve spent big on their front players and ere a good side. But we also have good players and we’ll take the game to them because we believe we can win it.

“I think we’re taking 1200 fans. Our away support has been exceptional and the players really thrive on playing away when we’ve got a big crowd.”

Today’s game marks the start of a festive fixture list of three games in eight days.

And Johnson acknowledges the toll it can take on his players and staff.

“There’s a lot analysis to do and a lot of things to get right quickly,” he added.

“These lads are running 13-14km plus a warm-up so they’re probably running 18km, and then you’ve got to run another 18km at speed with dynamic movement.”

Striker Harry White is expected to miss the game with an eye problem, while fellow forward Ivan Toney has been recalled by parent club Newcastle.