Nouble: Play-Off Place Possible
Friday, 6th Dec 2013 06:02

In-form striker Frank Nouble believes Town have a realistic chance of clinching a place in the Championship play-offs this season.

Nouble has netted twice in the last four games, three of which ended in victory, and he is convinced that he and his team-mates can carry on improving over what remains of the current campaign.

A substitute in the matches against Blackpool, Leicester and Charlton, he started Tuesday’s home clash with Blackburn and put the seal on his side’s 3-1 win with an 86th minute goal.

Nouble said: “It was brilliant to win on Tuesday and it didn’t matter how it came. We’d have taken 1-0 and it was good to get two wins on the bounce.

“We knew we had a lot of ‘local’ games in the week, with Charlton not being too far away and then the two at home after that. You always feel happier when you are closer to home for some reason, I don’t know why.”

Victory over Blackburn nudged Town to within two points of the top six, although the gap was extended to five the following night as a result of Derby’s home win over Middlesbrough.

Nouble added: “We’ve been close before and maybe, after taking a step forward, we then took two back. But we’re going in the right direction at the moment and hopefully we will get even closer on Saturday by beating Huddersfield.

“We’re winning and the momentum is with us, and although Huddersfield will provide us with another tough test we are looking confident right now.

“The play-offs are very realistic, I would say. I haven’t really seen any team this season that I would describe as outstanding. There are teams on good runs and I would say Leicester are probably the best team we have played all season.

“Any team finishing above them will do really well this year. QPR, Reading, they’ve got good players, but no one’s really firing and if we can put a good run of results together we will be alright.”

Town’s chances have been boosted by the recent loan signing of Aston Villa winger Jordan Graham, although the 18-year-old is still waiting to make his first appearance for the club.

Nouble said: “Jordan’s a good player, very sharp with two good feet. He loves to take people on and we haven’t got many players in the team who want to do that.

“He’s a really good addition to the squad and hopefully he can make his debut — even if it’s coming on — on Saturday because he looks to be a really exciting player.

“It’s not that we are lacking creativity in the team but it’s always good to have more. You don’t just want the strikers scoring but also wingers chipping and midfielders too, like Luke Hyam with his first goal of the year on Tuesday. Hopefully that can continue.”

Photo: Action Images

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Bluejake added 08:09 - Dec 6 Can't agree with you there Frank. From what I saw on Tuesday night, we are most definitely lacking in creativity.
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pazelle added 09:32 - Dec 6 Every time a player says this, we lose the next game! Go on Frank!
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Tractorog added 09:56 - Dec 6 It may be foolish, but if a young striker isn't confident and optimistic it would be a sad day for us all. I'm beginning to really like Frank.
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alexsmith111 added 11:27 - Dec 6 I like him, but inform striker is generous! But optimism can only be a good thing
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Alwaysablue added 12:15 - Dec 6 Go on frank, put the doubters back in their shells.
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phumph added 12:32 - Dec 6 In form striker. Please!!! Both “in form” and “Striker” are contradictory terms. Sorry but he is the worst player to wear a town shirt in years. He may try hard and run around alot, but we could all do that, if paid the money he is on.
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Fat_Boy_Tim added 13:36 - Dec 6

Of course he's on form, he's scoring goals, what the hell else do you want a striker to do? Nouble plays a lot like Shefki Kuqi did, runs hard, scares defenders and chases lost causes. McGoldrick can do the crafty stuff and it's a good combination.
As for lacking in creativity??? What are you talking about? We are currently fourth in the league for goals scored and have the leagues' (deliberately placed apostrophe!) most creative player in Cresswell with 9 assists.
I understand fans getting frustrated but having a go with, at best out of date and at worst made up digs, is just stupid.