A bright Christmas for Town's Andy Mangan

The frontman is hoping to win back his place in the starting line-up at Cambridge United tomorrow, following a niggling knee injury.

And the 28-year-old is adamant Town have both the quality and team spirit to cope with the hectic festive schedule that will see them play five games in 22 days.

"The best thing about this club is we have young, hungry lads who want to work for each other and are determined to get success," said Mangan.

"We have players who can play fantastic football but we also have lads who don't mind pulling their sleeves up and grafting.

"That's the recipe for success. We really have got a fantastic squad so lets go through the Christmas period and have a really good one.

"We need a few wins because the games are coming think and fast and Cambridge is the perfect place to start. But all the lads will be supporting each other to make sure we get as many points as possible."

The former Fleetwood striker is expecting a tough test when Salop travel to the Abbey Stadium tomorrow and has been impressed with the U's this season following their promotion from the Conference.

"I've watched Cambridge a couple of times this season and they are a good side and a strong outfit," said Mangan.

"I know the coach Richard Money well. He has a lot of big players and they score a lot of goals and I'm sure he will have them really fired up.

"I have played and scored against them a couple of times in my career and I think since they have come into the league and done really well.

"But we are in great form and have lads who are really performing week in, week out. I'm sure we will take the game to them on Saturday and we are confident of getting a result.

"Football is all about winning battles and we will go there, look to win our individual battles and then play our football."

The cheeky Scouser has had a stop-start debut campaign at Greenhous Meadow after picking up a series of niggling knee injures.

However, he has still managed to find the back of the net seven times in all competitions and now is determined to kick on.

"Slowly but surely I am getting back to full fitness but it has been incredibly frustrating," the forward said.

"It's never been anything more than a little niggle, it's a tendon issue but I just need to get it strong. The physio has been great with me and we have put together a plan to get me back to 100 per cent.

"But the gaffer and Jacko (Mike Jackson) have been fantastic as well because they know how frustrated I get when I can't train properly and when I can't play. They have managed me brilliantly.

"The really annoying thing is I have had scans and they say there is nothing wrong with it.

"But I need to feel confident with it and then everything else will sort itself out because I am very confident in my ability."

The striker continued: "I don't just wanted to be a substitute making cameo appearances and getting a goal here and there.

"I want to be starting games and getting 10 games on the spin so I can chip in with goals and assists.

"That's what I want for the second half of the season because the most important thing is to be winning leagues and winning promotions. "Strikers are judged by goals but I want to be contributing to a successful side."