It’s a huge few weeks for Michael Beale’s men, with a UEFA Champions League play-off against PSV Eindhoven to follow Saturday’s match, but Banfield says everyone is aware of the importance of the cup and tomorrow’s visit of the Scottish Championship side.
Speaking to the media at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference, Banfield said: “The week we have just had is great for the lads to prepare for the game. The games are coming thick and fast now after we got through the tie against Servette on Tuesday night, and we are moving on to Morton.
“It is great for us as a squad and as a new group working together to get used to how it is going to be in the coming months, and I think it has been a real good experience for the group. When you are building a group, you are always going to get bumps along the road, we had one bump and we have come through it.
“The manager will pick a team for tomorrow that he feels will win the game and it is a big cup game. The club has a great history in it so we are looking to get into the next round of the cup and then we'll take every game as it comes. This game is firmly in our focus, and we are looking to win tomorrow.”
With nine new signings over the summer transfer window, Banfield has been happy with the relationships being built on the pitch and feels that can only continue to grow as the squad move forward this season.
He continued: “We just focus on what we are doing, and we know the plan. When you are building a squad, it takes some time obviously, but we have had some good results and they are working extremely hard and that will continue over the next few games.
“As it comes you hope that relationships continue to build, and you see it on the pitch, and I think we see really strong areas of that coming along.
“The manager gives really clear messages, he has been strong and I think the team knows the direction we want to go in. We have had a plan from day one, he has laid out what he wants, and we are working towards it.
“When you are bringing new players into a squad it is difficult and it does take time and I think it is about relationships within the group. There are going to be a few bumps along the road, and I think we will iron them out and it will only get better and better as time goes on.”
Tickets for tomorrow's match against Morton can still be purchased online here.