Scunthorpe boss Alexander expecting tough test against the Cobblers

The Iron have enjoyed a superb start to the season, losing just once, and are currently three points clear at the top of the table, having claimed an impressive 24 points from their 11 games.

Their Glanford Park ground is a fortress where they have yet to lose this season, although they have been held to draws in their past two home league matches, against Charlton Athletic (0-0) and Sheffield United (2-2).

And Alexander is expecting another tight encounter against fifth-placed Northampton.

“It’ll be a competitive game,” said the former Fleetwood boss.

“Northampton have been on a fantastic run for probably the last 14 months, if you go back to the start of last season.

“The group which won league two is mainly the same. They’ve continued that record into this season, so it’ll be a tough fixture.

“I’ve come up against Rob Page’s teams a couple of times, and they’re always competitive games, very hard-working outfits, but with very good players within them.”

One of the main reasons for Scunthorpe’s great start to the season has been the form of Josh Morris, who has scored 12 goals, with 11 coming in the league.

Morris has won the Sky Bet League One player of the month award in both August and September, and has scored five games in the past three matches - but he is an injury concern ahead of the Cobblers clash.

Morris missed Scunthorpe’s 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy win over Shrewsbury Town, and Alexander says his fitness is still a concern.

“Josh still hasn’t trained with us as of yet, so we’ll wait and see how he is,” said the Iron boss.