Star's praise for defenders - exclusive

Last updated : 24 March 2006 By Andy Parsons

The Northern Ireland international and the club's top scorer though knows despite the upturn in results and performances, Wednesday's fate is far from secure.

He told Footymad: "The defence is looking strong. We haven't conceded that many goals in the last few games which is a massive positive after going down to Southampton and losing by three. Things have definitely picked up since then and recent performances at the back have given the rest of the team massive confidence.

"The two strikers are working ever so hard, Marcus and Deon are linking up well, but that is our first line of defence and they are leading the line well at the moment. Deon got the goal he deserves at the weekend but Marcus is doing well too.

"But we can't take anything for granted and we just have to go out and win our games. We are going to go out and try to win every single game from now until the end of the season; obviously if we do that then we know we are safe. But we can't ease up just because we beat Preston; we have a big game on Saturday as well and we want to win that one too."

Meanwhile, Craig Rocastle is set to join Swindon Town on loan until the end of the season and Steve Adams made his return to action yesterday in a behind-closed doors friendly - it's the former Plymouth man's first run out since recovering from an Achilles injury.