Darren Sarll says both he and his players are eager for 3pm on Saturday after last weekend's league game at Newport County was postponed.
Boro face an in-form Plymouth Argyle at the Lamex Stadium who are currently top of the league.
“It was surprising how many of them were itching to play in the EFL Trophy game because up and down the country I think we have all heard the criticisms of that competition but no, we want to play and we are looking forward to it.
“We were obviously very disappointed last Saturday to not play that game, we wanted to play it and we did our best.
“We are in good shape, we are improving and the players know they are improving. We need to now provide some hard evidence of that.”
Young Aston Villa loanees, Henry Cowans and Harry McKirdy both joined the club at the end of the transfer window and after a quiet start to life at Stevenage, both players are beginning to make some noise.
“The two lads have been fantastic. Henry has had a longer period with us and trains unbelievably hard every day. He is forever on the training pitch.
“Henry has done his term as such - waiting, watching and getting used to it and now he has taken his chance now he is in.
“I am glad everyone saw what Harry McKirdy can do because after the Exeter game he took some unwanted stick really.
“He absolutely twisted Goldson left and right – he gave him twisted blood. He has got a great career ahead of him and if he can do that every week, we will be fine.”
Plymouth come into the game on the back of eight wins and a draw in their last nine games so there is no question about the task at hand.
“They are a good side. They are very methodical and that obviously comes from a very methodical and intelligent manager. He deserves his manager of the month award absolutely and I have got great respect for Derek and his coaching team. It is a tough game, they have got some good players but so have we.”