JON Walters has insisted Town can reach the play-offs.The Blues forward accepts expectations are high but the players can handle the squad.Walters said: Our target is obviously to improve on last season and reach the play-offs.

Derek Davis

JON Walters has insisted Town can reach the play-offs.

The Blues forward accepts expectations are high but the players can handle the squad.

Walters said: Our target is obviously to improve on last season and reach the play-offs.

“We know the expectations are there and that brings with it a certain amount of pressure but you have to deal with it, it is part of being a footballer.

“I'm confident though that once we get a foothold in the league and get on a run then we can compete with anyone in the division.”

Although Walters was player of the year last season his form has dipped due to all the uncertainty surrounding his future and he knows competition for places is fierce.

David Norris is getting fit again after a foot injury and new boy Jon Stead will be looking to make his debut.

Walters added: “We have competition for places all over the park and you can see things starting to click on the training ground.

Now we need to make it work in games “Jon Stead will give us another dimension in attack. Iván Campo obviously brings quality into the squad and a wealth of experience.

“Moritz Volz has come down from the Premier League as well. We have got the players to make the challenge, we know that, but we need time for things to click into place. Patience is the key.”