Pratley: Positivity And Confidence Key

"We will need to be on top of our game against Leeds," says the midfielder

Darren Pratley believes that both positivity and confidence will prove key if Wanderers are to climb the league table and build on Saturday’s comfortable win over Birmingham City.

The 27-year-old was a key member of the Swansea City squad that achieved promotion to the top flight via the play-offs in the 2010/11 season, featuring in 41 games scoring 12 goals.

And speaking ahead of the New Year’s Day trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road Pratley also highlighted his desire to nail down a regular place in the manager’s starting line-up.

“The main thing on Saturday was to get a result and we did that,” he said. “In the build-up to the game we worked hard as a team and it paid off.

“As a player you always want to be playing and I haven’t had as many matches as I would have liked. But I am a professional. I have stayed positive and continued to work hard and give 100 per cent in training so that when I am called on I am ready.

“The manager has made full use of the squad through his tactical selections. Along with his staff, they make sure we are fully briefed on key areas.

“Against Birmingham we knew we had to be strong and work hard in the midfield area. That was an area we focused on in the build-up to the game.

“It’s fair to say that the players and the fans both want to get on a good run of form. We are still in touch with the play-offs and having experience of this league I know that key factors can be positivity and confidence.

“We played some good football on Saturday and we will need to be on top of our game against a tough Leeds side.

“We have had terrific away support and as a player it is always a boost when you hear your fans. The backing we have had this season has been top class.”
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