It has happened once already this season, when Town recovered from a form slump that saw them fail to win in seven league games, and Daryl Murphy is confident it will happen again.

The current depressing run of three straight league defeats has cost Murphy & Co valuable ground in the race for play-off places but the experienced striker knows all too well how quickly things can change in football.

Murphy said: “At the moment we’re six points off the play-offs, not 16. If you win two or three games in a row you’re right back in there and you’re thinking ‘What was all the fuss about?’ That’s the way the league is and it always has been.

“We got over our earlier blip to put a good run together and we are hoping we’ll get over this one as well. If we go to Huddersfield on Saturday and get a result who knows what will happen through to the end of the season.

“Huddersfield will be good, well organised and hard to beat. They are a tough team, which we know from playing them last year. It’s a hard place to go but we need a result and we’ll be going there to get it.”

The goals have dried up this season for Murphy — a mere eight so far compared to the 27 that earned him the title of the Championship’s top marksman last term — but he pointed out: “When you look at the signings we have made, Pits is our top scorer and Searsy also scores goals.

“Last season the whole team contributed in some way as well with important goals from defenders and midfielders. Other players will chip in before the end of the season, I’m confident of that.”

Murphy dismissed the theory that Town’s style of play was taking its toll on the players, adding: “I think we’re all fit enough to get on with it. I mean, you can’t complain about playing three games in a week.

“Our style of play is physical but we get plenty of rest in between the games to recharge the batteries. Plus, it worked for us last season and hopefully we’ll be there again come the end of this season.”

Nor does Murphy think boss Mick McCarthy’s decision not to make signings in the January transfer market is a contributory factor. He said: “It’s up to the manager and I think he always said that if the right players were available he would try to get them.

“He obviously didn’t see a player that he wanted to come in, one that he knew would fit into the team, so it’s his call and we obviously respect that.”

Photo: Action Images

RaymondovicBlue added 13:33 - Feb 26 I think our team has players who are better than they look - or can do better than they have. I know we could have had Jonny Williams, but we took Fraser instead ... but maybe we should have taken both?? after all they are both out injured half the season :) We COULD go on a good run and finish top six - or we COULD continue as being a team that everyone (top or bottom of the league) know how to beat and end up mid-table. I said that the Hull City game would confirm definately which - but then we only lost 1-0 to the top of the league - and so it was inconclusive. But if you add Huddersfiled to QPR and Bristol City then I will see you in August when we all start daring to hope again - for a while.

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RollsReuser added 20:42 - Feb 26 The curse of beating Leeds, our last barren spell came after beating them in September, and then the same after our last minute winner a few weeks ago
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Seasider added 13:55 - Feb 27 Even DM says were a physical side,and Huddersfield fans say same,and know exactly what to expect;as do all opposing Managers.
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