Manager John Sheridan says three away points are what his team needs to kick-start their League One campaign.

An indifferent run of form has seen Athletic slip to seventh place, but the Boundary Park chief remains upbeat as he prepares to head to Northampton tomorrow.

World TV: Sheridan's Northampton preview

His side produced a backs-against-the-wall display to come back from two goals down to claim a draw at Northampton last week, and Sheridan is hoping he'll be able to count on that mental strength again tomorrow.

In his way stand a Northampton side who are currently unbeaten on home turf, and Shez knows his side will have to be at their best to get anything from the game.

"We need to get back to winning ways," he said.  "We're in a position I don't want to be in in terms of League position and it's important that myself and the players get us back on track.

"Northampton are big and strong and are still unbeaten at home.  I have watched them a few times this season and I know we are in for a hard game.  It's no good drawing games if we want to push on.

"It was important we got something last week and stayed in the Cup [at Cheltenham] and I'm hoping last week was a little bit of a turning point for us.

"Northampton are a good side but I want to concentrate on how we're going to play.  I know we're a good side but at the end of the day we need to start winning football matches again."

Sheridan also revealed that midfielder Kevin Maher will be handed a chance in the middle of the park at Sixfields tomorrow.

The ex-Southend skipper has struggled to hold down a regular place since moving north in the summer but impressed as a substitute after coming on at half-time during the Cheltenham game.

Sheridan revealed: "It's been very hard for Kev because our two most consistent players have been the two in the middle [Danny Whitaker and Mark Allott].

"But Kev took his chance off the bench last weekend and he will play on Saturday, so the opportunity is there for him now."