Chris Powell says it’s important Huddersfield Town maintain their momentum until the end of the season – whether or not he promotes any of the club’s development players to the first team.
The boss is toying with the idea of including some members of Frankie Bunn’s Under 21 side for the final three games at home to Derby County and Blackburn Rovers and away to Blackpool.
But Powell, whose side are unbeaten in four, is also eager to claim a highest position and set a best points tally since the club returned to the second tier in 2012.
Town claimed 58 points in finishing 19th in 2012-13 and 53 when they were 17th last time around.
After Tuesday’s goalless draw at Brighton, they are 16th on 52 points.
“I certainly feel we can beat 53, and I hope we can better 58, in fact I would love us to win all our remaining games and reach 61,” said Powell.
“We set up the side to try to win at Brighton, and we’ll be doing the same for what is a really big match against Derby, who are pushing for the play-offs.”
With James Vaughan sidelined by a jarred knee, Powell arranged for development duo Joe Wilkinson and Philip Billing to join the squad at Brighton.
“They both played well in Monday’s development game at Nottingham Forest – Phil scored a screamer – and with James out and a few carrying knocks, I wanted cover,” added Powell.
“Because we had already travelled, the pair of them came down to Brighton in the kit van and even though they didn’t make the 18, it was nice to get them involved.
“I will do my best to include one or two of the younger players over the next three games, but I need to balance that with wanting to maintain our momentum.”
Powell would also like his side to keep three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since the 2010-11 League I campaign, when there were five in succession.
“We’ve got two, so extending that run is another target,” he explained. “I believe we have conceded at least 10 goals too many this time, and I will be working hard to improve us.”
