JOHN Gorman is hoping the midweek victory over Nottingham Forest is just the start of something good.

Derek Davis

JOHN Gorman is hoping the midweek victory over Nottingham Forest is just the start of something good.

With 13 games to go the Blues are looking to force their way into the play-off places starting with a visit to QPR tomorrow and Preston the following Saturday.

Gorman said: “We are not daft we know can do better and won't get carried away but we are hoping that the win can start a run.

“We go out to win every game. We will go to QPR and be positive. If we get a draw we will accept it as we are away from home but we are going there to win.

“With the record we have away we are capable.”

“In some ways it does motivate but in our profession you have to let it go over your heads and be thick skinned.

“There is an aggression and a great attitude in the squad.”

Gorman added that the team were using the recent criticism to inspire them, without losing focus.

He said: “In some ways it does motivate but in our profession you have to let it go over your heads and be thick skinned.

“There is an aggression and a great attitude in the squad.”

In the absence of Jim Magilton at the pre-match press conference, Gorman insisted Town would be motivated for the game at the club dubbed the richest in the world given it Formula One backers.

Gorman said: “Even though they are lower than us in the league after Blackpool and Plymouth it was good to play Forest. They are a club that has won the European Cup and the league and has all that history.

“It will be the same playing QPR . They have money now which is another thing that makes it a good challenge.

“Loftus Road is an old fashioned ground place to play.

“QPR have two games in hand but have to win them.”

Gorman accepted Wednesday night's win was somewhat fortuitous but felt it was reward from a fine team effort.

He said: “You need a break in football sometimes and we got a break. In other games we had good chances but they kicked off the line or whatever.

“After three home draws we wanted a win and that was the first game where we got some break. Richard Wright made some great saves and it was a tremendous tackle from Gareth McAuley towards the end. It was good to see a full back (David Wright) get a goal.

“Ben Thatcher was excellent Civelli has settled down and Jon Walters did really well when he took over from Danny Haynes.

“The two front men worked their socks off and the two central midfielders dominated even though they were outnumbered at times.

“It was a good all round team performance as everyone played their part.

“It is history now though and we move on to the next one.”

Gorman explained the absence of Macedonian international Veliche Shumulikoski who is included in the squad travelling to London for tomorrow evening's kick off.

He said: “I looked around at our bench and we had so much quality. It is a good squad and it is hard choice between Alan Quinn, Owen Garvan and Shumi.

“He has been a great professional with a magnificent attitude. It is frustrating for people like Shumi who can't even get on the bench but he, along with Volz and Campo, were in the dressing room after the Forest game congratulating the lads.

“He is still a big part of Jim's plans.”

Haynes will have a scan on his hamstring today and assessed after. There is better news for Kevin Lisbie who missed out with a back problem and is expected to be involved. So will Moritz Volz who returns after a groin problem, while McAuley is training after a calf injury.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk