SWINDON Town have approached today’s League Two test at home against Lincoln City (3pm) with a spring in their step according to manager Richie Wellens, who hopes the impact of an unwelcome virus in the squad has been lessened ahead of kick-off.

Wellens granted his team additional time off this week after multiple players were struck down by illness following last week’s dramatic win at Macclesfield.

Most players used the time to spend at home with their families, and the Town boss was relieved to report clearer throats and a positive atmosphere on the training ground throughout Thursday morning.

After a spell of five League Two games in 14 days, Town return to normality for the remainder of the month with ties against Lincoln, Tranmere and Crawley before February starts.

Wellens said: “In terms of the week I’ve allowed them rest, they need it.

“There has been an illness going around the camp, hopefully everyone is over that.

“We’ve been in almost every day over the Christmas period, players are a bit physically tired. And sometimes it’s important to take a break from seeing each other and spend some time at home with their families.

“They’ve recharged the batteries, training has been good. They’ve approached this game with a spring in their step.

“It will be a different game, they only play one up front with one in behind. It will be very narrow, so we need to close the middle of the pitch off.”

Meanwhile today’s opponents - current League Two leaders Lincoln City - will present Town with a different challenge according to Wellens, who could see his side promoted into the division’s top 10 with a win this afternoon and favourable results elsewhere.

Playing with target man John Akinde up front with Matt Rhead tucked closely behind him, the Town boss expects Lincoln to utilise the central areas of the pitch most.

Defenders Luke Woolfenden, Canice Carroll and Dion Conroy are therefore likely to play a key part in the outcome of the game.

Wellens added: “Lincoln are probably not the best team I’ve seen in terms of being easy on the eye.

“But they’re probably one of the most effective teams – they’re strong, aggressive and defend their box very well.

“They’ve got a lot of big players in John Akinde and Matt Rhead up front, they would be good players for anyone because of their size.

“They can play direct and long, but they also have some good footballers. Neil Eardley I’ve worked with in the past (at Oldham) and Lee Frecklington too.

“They’ve got a good mix, and it’s a club that has granted the manager a lot of time to implement his ideas over a period of time.

“They’re a stable club in a good place. But, if we’re on our game, we’re a match for any team.”