New boy Stephen Hunt believes Town have what it takes to mount a promotion challenge this season but accepts second-placed Leicester will provide a formidable challenge in his home debut this weekend.
Hunt, 32, said: "They are a good team. Their players have been together for a few years now and there’s a good structure at the club as well. It’s a well-run club.
"They went a bit crazy a few years ago when they were handing out contracts but now they seem to be running it steadily and it looks all the better for it. In terms of team spirit they seem to be together and we’ll have a tough game.
"We don’t have 25 or 26 players, we have 20 who are all rooting for each other. In the short time I’ve been around the lads I can see how hungry they are to get to the Premiership.
"It’s a good thing because there are places where they can’t be bothered. Three quarters of the lads here have never played in the Premiership but if they can stick together and come up as a team they will have memories for life. And that includes me because I’m hungry as well.
"It’s amazing, in terms of togetherness, how it can pull you along. But you need good players to be up at the top end of the league, so if everyone is pulling in the right direction winning breeds confidence. Hopefully we will win more games and winning games at this level is about having the right mentality.
"From an attacking point of view we have been banging in goals in training all week and hopefully that can continue into the games. We scored three times at Blackpool and to get three goals away from home against anyone is a good achievement. Hopefully we can keep them out as well.”
But Hunt is reluctant to discuss the possibility of a permanent deal to replace the pay-as-you-play agreement he signed earlier this month and which is due to end in January.
He added: "It’s a case of baby steps at the moment. I’m just happy to be back playing, that’s all for the time being, but if I get into the side I would be more than happy to stay. But first of all it’s about getting in and staying in.”
Photo: ITFC