Town midfielder Cole Skuse believes December will be a key month in terms of determining which clubs are likely to emerge as the main challengers for the three coveted promotion places.

There are six games this month, starting with tomorrow’s visit to Skuse’s former club Bristol City, and followed by clashes with Cardiff (home), Birmingham City and Wigan (away) and a Portman Road double-header comprising games against Fulham and the return fixture with Bristol City.

Skuse said: “December is always a massive month in any season. At least, that’s how I see it because once you are over the Christmas period I believe it gives you an inkling as to where teams are going to finish the season.

“Generally speaking, going into January there is always a bit of a marker in the table as to how things could turn out.”

Asked if he was surprised by this season’s Championship campaign, Skuse replied: “No, not overly surprised. I’d like to think I have been around this level for long enough to know it’s always tough and there’s never going to be an easy stretch of games.

“Maybe Huddersfield were a bit of a surprise package the way they got off to a flying start, although they have hit a bit of a stumbling block recently.

“It’s the same with Bristol City — good start but then a sticky patch — but after Christmas you’ll get a good idea of who’s going to finish where.

“I’m expecting Aston Villa and Derby to carry on climbing the table. When you see them in the bottom three in the first few weeks of the season you don’t get carried away because they have enough quality — and they’ve spent enough money on their squads — to know they have what it takes to finish at the top end.”

Meanwhile, Skuse has leapt to the defence of midfield colleague Jonathan Douglas, who has found himself a prime target for criticism by supporters in recent weeks. He said: “I can’t speak highly enough of him. But we’ve all taken flak — I know I have — and it’s the same for every player during their careers.

“I saw an article in which the gaffer was talking about him and he said he does exactly what it says on the tin, which is a good way of putting it.

“All the lads in the dressing are behind Dougie. He’s been around the game long enough to know all the tricks of the trade. For me he’s a very consistent player, a real steady Eddie.

“He’s easy to bounce off. He’s old enough and experienced enough to know where to go, when to go into the box and when not to go.

“He takes a bit of the weight off my shoulders in the sense that I’m not forever covering in behind him because he knows when to get back in. He’s a great pro.”

Photo: TWTD

MickMillsTash added 13:14 - Dec 2 Was Douglas to blame for Newcastle's first goal?
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tractorboytedwardo19 added 13:16 - Dec 2 skuse had his best game of the season against QPR last week with dougie alongside him. I'm wasn't a fan of the Skuglous duo but if we now finally have the balance with 2 paces wingers, WARD & LAWRENCE, creative McGoldrick and Varney to do the dirty stuff up top we may be alright this way. Just need them all to take their chances in front of goal. Im not totally convinced we could get 3 goals with these players again but you never know with Town. A gritty 1-0 win away from home would equally be as pleasing when we need to pick up points. Only 3 behind Norwich now...

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Garv added 14:42 - Dec 2 Steady eddie indeed. There lies the problem.
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GoldieBlue added 14:44 - Dec 2 But all your money on him scoring tomorrow
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GoldieBlue added 14:46 - Dec 2 *put
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TimmyH added 14:59 - Dec 3 The key months in a fairly tight competitive league are the closing months i.e. from March onwards (as long as you don't fall behind too much) pretty obvious really.
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