BLUES skipper Gareth McAuley has urged his team-mates to use the cup win over Chesterfield as a springboard to get their Championship campaign on track.

Derek Davis

BLUES skipper Gareth McAuley has urged his team-mates to use the cup win over Chesterfield as a springboard to get their Championship campaign on track.

McAuley said: “We've won two games in a row and kept two clean sheets, but now we've got to apply ourselves and keep things going for another tough game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.”

The Irishman welcomed the arrival of John Gorman as manager Jim Magilton's number two and believes he will help them in their promotion quest. McAuley said: “John Gorman's a very good coach with a decent reputation and it's very good to have him on board.

“It's another voice in the dressing room, another point of view, and we can learn from him.”

The defender admitted Town were put under pressure from the League Two side but was always confident they would prevail.

He said: “We expected Chesterfield to come here and be a decent footballing side.

“It was a big opportunity for their players to play at this level and when you're in that position you relax, because you don't feel you've got anything to lose.

“You've got nothing to prove and I know that from my own days in League Two with Lincoln.

“It wasn't a very high-tempo performance from us up until half-time, but after that the pressure started to build and I always felt comfortable.”

McAuley and defensive partner Iv�n Campo had to deal with livewire Jamie Ward who, while not scoring, enhanced his reputation with a fine performance.

McAuley said: “He's very lively, is good on the ball and is building a reputation for himself.

“He looks the part and seems to me to have the potential to climb the ladder.”