FC St. Pauli

Scott Banks on…

...the Hannover friendly: "I enjoyed the game, of course. These games are very important for the players who maybe aren't getting so many minutes like me. I obviously managed to score, which is a big thing for me because they were the first goals since my surgery, so I was pleased."

...the significance of competitive matches for his development: "It's massive. Training is one thing and the experience you get in games is completely different. But we're always competing with each other as a group and all working hard to improve each other."

...the possibility of starting at Dortmund in place of the injured Elias Saad: "It's the coach's decision and we all trust that. Going into the game I always go in with no expectations, but I'll be ready, and I'll also be ready if I don't take that spot. I'll be ready to come on and impact the game in any way I can."

...his pace: "The coach always wants me to play with more tempo. It's something I've been trying to work on and I think I showed that in the game in Hannover. It's definitely a weapon of mine and I have to use it the best I can."

...the Bundesliga: "I think we've all found it challenging but we're really enjoying it. We've all performed well and there've been up and downs, of course, but we keep improving."

Scott Banks (No. 18) celebrates with teammates after this second goal against Hannover.

...the Borussia Dortmund match: "Everyone knows they're very strong opposition and it's going to be a tough game, of course, but I think we've shown how good we can be in these tough games. We're very excited to go there and hopefully get a result. Against Dortmund and other top teams in this league it's about getting our intensity together and bringing it to the game and that's what we have to focus on going into this game. If we can do that, we can do well. I hope I can do my bit. If I do get a chance, I want to perform as best I can."

...the more than 80,000 fans at the game in Dortmund: "In terms of games and atmospheres I'm sure anything I could name will not match what we're going to experience at the weekend. The biggest crowd for me to date was when we went to Singapore (eds: with Crystal Palace against Liverpool on 15 July 2022 in front of 50,217 spectators at the Singapore National Stadium), but that was only pre-season so it's not the same. I'm very excited, but having said that we can't think too much about it and instead have to focus on what we impact on the pitch."

...the mental challenge brought about by his injury and long layoff: "I think it's more about having confidence in your own body. When everything is going right and my body's feeling good, I don't feel like I'm behind. With the injury I had there were days when it didn't feel so good and those were the frustrating parts. Any player who has such an injury will say you learn so much about yourself because you have so much time with yourself, which is difficult and challenging."

...patience: "It's never been a strong suit of mine, but I think I'm better now. With this group and the staff around you, you're able to lean on your peers, and back home with my friends and family I came through those frustrating times. For that I'm very lucky."

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters