No better midfield in League One, claims Fleetwood boss

The Scot has been impressed by the way Jimmy Ryan, Eggert Jonsson and Antoni Sarcevic have adapted since he took charge at Highbury in October.

The trio were crucial in keeping Fleetwood on the road to Wembley at the weekend, playing a vital role in Town’s 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area Final at Barnsley.

Switching to a three-man midfield has been a key part of Pressley’s turnaround plan at Fleetwood.

Ryan and Sarcevic, in particular, have a crucial responsibilty for kick-starting counter-attacks.

Playing between them, Jonsson has established himself as one of Town’s most reliable performers and retains a hope of making the Iceland squad for Euro 2016 this summer.

And right now Pressley can’t think of three better men for the job.

He said: “I said to them after Saturday’s game that I wouldn’t swap them for any midfield in the league. I genuinely believe that.

“Their attitude and desire to do the things I ask of them is just incredible.”

Town may not have grabbed the victory on Saturday to take them a big step closer to Wembley but Pressley was delighted by the dedication shown across the middle of the park

“The work rate at the moment is stunning,” he said. “I can’t praise these boys highly enough.

“For the boys in the dugout, watching them on Saturday was just phenomenal.

“You’ve got to be proud when you see that as a manager.

“You can’t ask more of the team than what those boys gave me at the weekend.

“Yes, you want to win games but as long as you know that the players haven’t left anything out there that’s all you can ask.”

Another Town player turning heads right now is Ash Hunter, who has impressed in back-to-back starts.

And Pressley is hoping the 20-year-old and make the impact in the penalty box that Town badly need.

The Fleetwood boss said: “He (Hunter) was prominent again at the weekend. He’s an exciting talent.

“He’s got that real speed at that end of the pitch which worries defenders.

“Jamie Proctor has been a real plus for us too playing off the left side.

“He’s been unlucky not to score but his all-round play is very positive.

“The front three caused Barnsley problems all afternoon.

“But Ash is really coming of age and he’s a player we hope will continue to develop.”