NO disrespect, but if Kevin Horlock were a television advert he would be more Peter Kaye ('Ave it') than the plethora of superstars advertising a soft drink, writes Derek Davis.

NO disrespect, but if Kevin Horlock were a television advert he would be more Peter Kaye ('Ave it') than the plethora of superstars advertising a soft drink, writes Derek Davis.

Horlock has a rapier-like left foot and cleans up better than the two women in 'How Clean is Your House', but like his outlook on life, he is a no-nonsense player who leaves the glory bits to others.

The free signing from West Ham, who has fitted into the side as if he grew up in the Town Academy rather than the Upton Park youth system – along with Matt Holland – has never been one to seek praise or make a fuss over things.

He was totally unaware that he will be making his 400th league appearance when he trots out at Derby County today, until the EADT told him, and he was just as equally unmoved.

Nor was he bothered about winning man of the match awards, or the amount of praise heaped on him after a stupendous league debut for Town against Gillingham, followed by a steady showing at Forest on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old is more concerned at getting three points than worrying about landmarks or plaudits and said: "The main thing for me is how the supporters react and the players who I work with. The fact I'm getting plaudits doesn't bother me. I would rather not get them and Ipswich were winning every game, that would be the ideal position.

"I'm not one for getting pats on the back. I had seven years at Manchester City where I didn't really get them at all, that was for other players. I just got on with my job and found myself playing week in week out, that's more important to me.

"I just want to stay as fit and injury-free as possible. I don't feel as if I'm getting on at all. I still feel as good as I did when I was younger.

"I've come to a great club with a terrific set of lads who play in a way which suits me and so far it has all gone very well, so let's hope that continues."

The Blues may not fully deserve the four points they have accumulated so far but got them they have, and Horlock believes the key to success this season will be down to one thing.

He said: "Consistency. It was important to get off to a good start and after a good win over Gillingham we have maintained the impetus at Forest.

"It would have been no good winning the first game then losing at Forest. We are looking for that consistency as that is the difference between getting promoted or not.

"In an ideal world you want to reach a level and stay there all season. A consistent team in this division will go up, that is what happened last year and in years gone by. Teams that regularly play good football go up."

Town face a Derby side who are pointless after two games, but Horlock is convinced the Rams are better than their second-from-bottom position suggests.

He should know after winning promotion to the top flight twice with Manchester City, and once with Swindon, although financial irregularities cost them their place in the top flight.

The Northern Ireland international said: "Derby will do well this season, certainly a lot better than last year when they were flirting with relegation.

"I watched their game on television against Leeds and they looked a decent side so I'm expecting another difficult game.

"Every game in this division is going to be difficult until they are won. No one is going to roll over and let you win easily.

"This is an important game for us, our second away game in three days. After this we will have a good idea of where we are heading and where we will be at the end of the season."