SWINDON Town boss David Flitcroft doesn’t believe he has the upper hand going into today’s clash with Mansfield Town, despite working with the Stags’ star man Danny Rose at both Barnsley and Bury.

The 23-year-old made seven appearances under Flitcroft in the Championship during his time at Oakwell in 2012.

When Flitcroft took the reins at Bury he was reunited with the forward, after signing the youngster on loan twice, before securing him for the Shakers on a permanent deal in 2014.

Rose’s two-year stint at Gigg Lane was brought to an end in the summer of 2016 when the 23-year-old linked up with Steve Evans at Mansfield Town.

Flitcroft acknowledges the threat Rose possesses and says Town’s defence will have to be cautious of the 23-year-old this afternoon.

“I don’t think it gives you an advantage (to know a player),” said Flitcroft.

“I had a fantastic relationship with Danny Rose. I brought him from Barnsley to Bury and then we sold him to Mansfield.

“With Danny, we were always just waiting for him to become a stature in the game and score goals and important goals. He is doing that this season.

“He plays with an energy and an octane so chances will comes to him. He is very infectious as a player and very infectious as a person.

“I am not hoping that he does well on Saturday but he is one of those players you want to have a very good career in the game.”

Flitcroft is also looking forward to the challenge presented by counterpart Evans, with just goal difference separating the teams ahead of the game.

Mansfield are currently in ninth, while Swindon are in 11th, but both teams have an identical record over their last five games with three victories and two defeats.

“Steve is very passionate about football, he is very passionate about his teams. He is a winning manager, he wins a lot of football matches,” added Flitcroft.

“What you have got to do is focus on what you are trying to do and what your team are trying to achieve in the game.

“That’s certainly what we have pressed home to the players this week, pressing home what we are trying to do and sticking to the gameplan.

“I have seen times this season when we haven’t done that, IE getting a sending off or giving a penalty away.

“Those are the controls you have to put in place as manager. It’s a tough job we have got but one when you get it right, it is just fantastic.

“Steve wears his heart on his sleeve and he has that passion for football and quite a lot of us do.”

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