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Matt Mills believes Wanderers are tough enough to extend their winning streak at home to five games this weekend.
Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town come to town as the division’s form team, with just one defeat in their last 16 games.
But the Whites defender says constant demand for improvement from Neil Lennon and his staff on the training ground is making the squad stronger.
And he sees no reason why Wanderers cannot upset the formbook to continue their own climb up the Championship table.
“We don’t fear anyone,” said the defender, who has been wearing the captain’s armband in Jay Spearing’s absence over the last five games.
“The confidence in the team is really good and I think there is an identity shining through now. We are tough to beat.”
Wanderers’ own unbeaten run was extended to five games with a 0-0 draw at Reading last time out but Mills insists there has been no back-slapping in the camp since climbing out of the relegation zone.
“Honestly, the mood has changed completely,” he said. “The manager isn’t happy with five games unbeaten, he wants 10, 15, 20, and that is what the mindset is now. He has changed the way people think.
“He sets that standard and the boys have to step up to the mark.
“We are doing that, so long may it continue.”
Saturday’s game should see Eidur Gudjohnsen make his long-awaited return in a Wanderers shirt, 14 years since he last faced Ipswich Town in a play-off semi-final.
Mills has been impressed by how the 36-year-old has raised standards on the training pitch with his enthusiastic approach.
“Eidur has been fantastic since he came in,” he said. “He trains like he’s an 18 year old trying to push his way into the first team. You wouldn’t think this guy has had the career he’s had.
“That attitude is infectious. Senior players and young lads look at that and it sets an example.
“I hope he will get his chance soon and when he does, he might just be the guy who makes a difference.”
Another new face at Euxton has been ex-England international Emile Heskey – and Mills is looking forward to seeing if the veteran striker can have the same impact as Gudjohnsen and earn himself a deal.
“He’s trained for a few of days now and I think the club have said there is nothing to lose by taking a look at him,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
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Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich Town come to town as the division’s form team, with just one defeat in their last 16 games.
But the Whites defender says constant demand for improvement from Neil Lennon and his staff on the training ground is making the squad stronger.
And he sees no reason why Wanderers cannot upset the formbook to continue their own climb up the Championship table.
“We don’t fear anyone,” said the defender, who has been wearing the captain’s armband in Jay Spearing’s absence over the last five games.
“The confidence in the team is really good and I think there is an identity shining through now. We are tough to beat.”
Wanderers’ own unbeaten run was extended to five games with a 0-0 draw at Reading last time out but Mills insists there has been no back-slapping in the camp since climbing out of the relegation zone.
“Honestly, the mood has changed completely,” he said. “The manager isn’t happy with five games unbeaten, he wants 10, 15, 20, and that is what the mindset is now. He has changed the way people think.
“He sets that standard and the boys have to step up to the mark.
“We are doing that, so long may it continue.”
Saturday’s game should see Eidur Gudjohnsen make his long-awaited return in a Wanderers shirt, 14 years since he last faced Ipswich Town in a play-off semi-final.
Mills has been impressed by how the 36-year-old has raised standards on the training pitch with his enthusiastic approach.
“Eidur has been fantastic since he came in,” he said. “He trains like he’s an 18 year old trying to push his way into the first team. You wouldn’t think this guy has had the career he’s had.
“That attitude is infectious. Senior players and young lads look at that and it sets an example.
“I hope he will get his chance soon and when he does, he might just be the guy who makes a difference.”
Another new face at Euxton has been ex-England international Emile Heskey – and Mills is looking forward to seeing if the veteran striker can have the same impact as Gudjohnsen and earn himself a deal.
“He’s trained for a few of days now and I think the club have said there is nothing to lose by taking a look at him,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
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