Keeper David Stockdale says the Town squad are still looking upwards rather than worrying about being drawn back into the lower reaches of the division, despite Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Millwall. The on-loan Fulham man admitted to being surprised that the Blues found themselves two goals behind so early on at the Den.
The 26-year-old said: "The mentality of the team isn't looking [down], we're striving for as near to perfection. I know you don't get that, but we’re going to try, like Bobby Robson said, ‘practice makes permanent’, not perfect.
"We're always looking up, because it would be wrong of us to look down. If you look up you’re going to get the results to move up that league rather than worrying about not winning - it’s a better, more positive mentality.
"We had a dip before, we’re having a dip now, teams have dips. Let’s hope we kick on from here.”
He says the week will be spent aiming for a better result when Doncaster are at Portman Road on Saturday: "The lads will be working hard to turn it around. We really look well in training, that's the thing, and it's something we need to pin down.
"Whether that’s on the training ground or preparation between the lads individually. It happens in football — you have to look at each other and yourself and ask questions.”
The regular England squad member was disappointed that Town conceded goals in two spells during the game at Millwall: "Obviously the first 10 minutes was a bad point, but in a five-minute stretch we lost another two goals. Maybe it was our concentration, we're going to look over it in the coming week.
"As the gaffer says, we need to be thinking about defending when we’re attacking — can we be in the right places rather than hoping that the ball comes to the right places. We’ll work hard this week and I’m sure the gaffer will sort us out.
"I don't think it was a case of losing the game in the first 10 minutes,” he added, "because at 2-1 there was a chance we could get back on top.”
Stockdale, who made a number of good saves during the game, was surprised that Town went two goals behind so quickly and will be assessing whether he might have done better in those instances: "Maybe I could have come for the cross [on the first goal] and I've got to look at myself and be hard on myself too. Yes, you make good saves, but they're all for nothing if a goal goes in [from a rebound].”
The season-loan loanee had praise for sub Reece Wabara, who came on after Lee Bowyer suffered a hamstring injury in the 18th minute, the Manchester City man’s most significant appearance since he signed in late September: "He’s been pushing on for spot but the way we’ve been playing it’s been hard for him.
"Now there are a few injuries I’m sure he’ll push his way in and he’s a good enough player, as he showed at Millwall. He can hold his own and I’m sure he’ll get his chance.”