Tranmere winger Martin Devaney aims to be heart of matter during festive period

Dec 9 2011 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

TRANMERE are about to embark on a sequence of December and Christmas holiday games that can help to define their season – and Martin Devaney wants to be at the heart of them.

The experienced wide man hasn’t been in the starting line-up since the end of August.

But a run of substitute appearances in recent weeks suggests he is winning the battle with the lingering effects of a hamstring injury.

Devaney hopes to be involved tomorrow when Tranmere return to League One action after a fortnight’s break, with a home game against MK Dons.

The 31-year-old said: “The next four or five weeks can define our season. Christmas is a very important time, when games come back to back.

“It’s a chance to get points on the board quickly.

“By the end of January, you might know if you are going to be fighting for the play-offs or fighting relegation.

“I think as long as we’re in the top eight or nine by the end of January and will give ourselves a chance. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

The visit from the promotion chasing Dons is Tranmere’s first game in December following a lay-off last weekend caused by their early exit from the FA Cup.

They travel to Stevenage the following Saturday, December 17, play host to Rochdale on Boxing Day and are also at home on Friday, December 30 when Bury are the visitors.

Tranmere’s New Year holiday game is at Sheffield Wednesday on Monday, January 2 they take on Brentford at Prenton Park on Saturday, January 7.

Devaney said: “The break last week probably came at a good time. We’ve been able to work on things after the disappointing run of results.

“We’ve not won in six games so we have been trying to get back to the things we were doing at the start of the season.

“One result can change things for us.

“Winning games breeds confidence. When you lose a few, people start jumping on the bandwagon, saying negative things. But that’s not happening here.

“The gaffer is really positive and so are the coaching staff and the players. All of us in the dressing room think we can do something this season.”

Devaney added: “I am just itching to get back into the starting line-up and doing what I do best. When I’m given a shout, I’ll doing my best to keep hold of that spot.”

Tranmere will be attempting to post a first win in seven outings against a Dons side in scintillating form.

Karl Robinson’s team won their last six league and cup matches, scoring 23 goals along the way.

However, Devaney believes Tranmere have no reason to be intimidated by any opponents.

He said: “I spent seven to eight weeks watching games from the stand and from the football I’ve seen I’d say there is no reason for us to think we can’t climb the table again. It’s a question of doing the simple things right. One of the points about this division is you can have a chance against anyone.”

Manager Les Parry has to decide on whether to reintroduce target man Enoch Showunmi to the attack. The striker has been nursing an ankle injury. If Showunmi’s match fitness remains in doubt, Parry has the options of using Mustafa Tiryaki or Lucas Akins at the head of the front line.

Meanwhile Merseysider Robinson inists a nomination as League manager of the month for November isn’t important to his as he prepares to face Tranmere.

“These things are always nice to be nominated for, but I’m not interested in personal awards,” said Robinson, who was named manager of the month for August.

Robinson’s priority is to wipe away memories of the Dons’ last vitit to Tranmere.

“It wasn’t a good performance by any means,” Robinson said of the 4-2 defeat at Prenton Park in October 2010.

“We are going there with a point to prove.”