Town go to Derby County on Wednesday night having gone four games without a win (KO 7.45pm). Despite the run of poor results, boss Joe Royle insists that he is eyeing the play-off places rather than becoming concerned at a possible relegation battle.
Royle said: "It is not all negative. We are just as in touch with the play-offs as we are with the relegation zone.
"We are looking upwards, not over our shoulders, and I am sure we will start to climb the table when we are over our injuries and get our full side back.”
The Town boss says he is still as determined to get the Blues back into the big time as he was when he took the job three years ago this week: "I came here to lead this club back into the Premiership and the ambition has not changed.
"I love the club and I love the area. Yes, of course I get a little bit frustrated at times. The job description has changed — there are times when I have felt more like a liquidator than a manager.
"That's not a complaint, but that is what it has required. There's no set formula, but this is a great job and I am working for people I trust.
"When I came here the feeling was that we had to sell one player but unfortunately we fell over the precipice and we kept finding financial black holes with no way out.
"Everyone knows we have been forced to sell players, or allow players to depart, but I am still very proud of what has been achieved in very difficult circumstances.”
Irish midfielder Owen Garvan has been withdrawn from the Town squad which travels to Derby this afternoon after returning to training today. The Blues don't want to risk the 17-year-old so soon after his ankle problem but he is likely to be in the frame for involvement against Plymouth on Saturday.
Striker Nicky Forster is also still out due to the knee injury he picked up in training on Friday, while Kevin Horlock remains on the sidelines with a rib injury but both could be back for Saturday.
Ian Westlake's return to training on Monday was marred by his collision with French loanee Jimmy Juan which saw the Monaco man require stitches to his mouth. However, the 22-year-old is included in the squad and Town are hopeful he will be OK to continue in the centre of midfield. Westlake could also be in contention for a return against the Pilgrims.
Skipper Jim Magilton looks likely to be back in the starting line-up, probably in place of Matt Richards, although the England U21 international will probably retain his central midfield position if Juan drops out.
Jaime Peters's excellent performance for the reserves against Watford could see him pushing Adam Proudlock for the right midfield role, with Darren Currie likely to be on the left.
Proudlock could be in with a chance of starting up front alongside Sam Parkin, although Dean Bowditch will probably keep his place after an improved performance at the Withdean Stadium.
In defence, Fabian Wilnis looks likely to carry on at left-back after an impressive performance at Brighton, with Jay McEveley once again on the bench. Sito will continue at right-back with Richard Naylor and Jason De Vos taking up their usual centre-half roles.
Derby welcome back defenders Marc Edworthy, Richard Jackson and Paul Boertien after injury. Former Canary Edworthy missed out at the weekend with a calf problem, while Jackson recently underwent a groin operation and Boertien is returning after a serious knee problem.
Striker Tommy Smith is sidelined with a hamstring injury and central defender Andrew Davies is suspended. Derby find themselves in 17th place on 17 points, four places and two points behind the Blues.
This week's games see the Football League's new yellow Mitre Pro 100 T Fluo ball in use for the first time. The yellow ball will be used in all Football League matches between now and February 28th.
Wednesday's referee is Colin Webster from Tyne and Wear. Webster has shown 69 yellow and seven red cards in 17 games so far this season. He last took control of the Blues in the 1-1 draw at Leeds towards the end of last season and was also the ref when Town demolished Nottingham Forest 6-0 in March.
Squad: Bowditch, Currie, De Vos, Juan, Magilton, McDonald, McEveley, Naylor, Parkin, Peters, Price, Proudlock, Richards, Sito, Supple, Wilnis.