The Town squad worked hard during the international break, according to midfielder Andy Drury, and will be looking to reap the benefit at Middlesbrough this afternoon when they seek to end a run of three games without a win.
Drury revealed: "We’ve not had many days off, where a lot of clubs have had four or five. We’ve had intense training, especially last week, with double sessions and working specifically on things like fitness and sharpness, as well as the usual football situations.
"We’ve trained hard this week as well. It hasn’t been a relaxing international break like some clubs have. It’s been a case of everybody working hard and really putting it in.”
Drury has also been impressed by the contributions of various newcomers to the club, including striker Paul Taylor, a £1.5 million signing from Peterborough, who was close to marking his debut in the 2-2 home draw against Huddersfield with a goal.
He added: "Paul’s a good lad and a lively player. We need to work hard as a team and he’s the type who will pull his weight. He’s very skilful as well so he has a lot to offer after what was a promising start against Huddersfield.
"We’ve also got Daryl Murphy back — it’s as if he was never away — and we all know what he can bring to the team. Massimo Luongo has also done well and I think our fans will like Guirane N’Daw, who has looked the part in training since he joined us.
"Guirane’s a big lad who likes to get his tackles in. He’s decent on the ball as well and I think he is going to prove to be a good signing for us.”
Drury acknowledges the lack of defensive cover, adding: "I think everyone knows that we’re a bit short at the back. We’ve only got two centre-backs at the club.
"I’m sure the gaffer is trying to strengthen in that area of the team so that there is competition for places there, like there is in midfield for example.”
Town suffered a double blow the last time they took to the road, suffering a 6-0 thrashing at then leaders Blackpool before crashing out of the Capital One Cup in an extra-time defeat to League One opponents Carlisle three days later.
Drury said: "Losing heavily at Blackpool obviously wasn’t very nice. I hate losing any game and to lose in the manner in which we did was bitterly disappointing. We had an extremely inexperienced team but sometimes, as bad as it is to say it, you almost need it to make you realise you’re not as good as you think you are.
"It wasn’t pleasant then we went out of the League Cup at Carlisle and that was just as bad really. But there is still a fantastic team spirit here at the moment and we bounced back with a draw against Huddersfield a fortnight ago in a game that, in fairness, could have gone either way.
"We now have a busy week ahead with three games and we need to be thinking in terms of climbing the league.”