Chris Powell today called on resurgent Huddersfield Town to raise the bar of performance still higher against Nottingham Forest and launch a crunch week of fixtures in style.

A win or draw at the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday would mark Town’s longest unbeaten run since they returned to the Championship in 2012 – seven games – and give them a platform for trips to Derby County and Fulham in the following seven days.

He reported no further injury worries ahead of facing a Forest side lifted by the arrival of Hull wingman Tom Ince on loan and is relishing the chance to close a six-point gap on the Championship play-off places.

“The whole week is a barometer for us, really, of where we are,” said Powell, who has had striker James Vaughan (calf) doing rehab at St George’s Park.

“The last three-game week we claimed five points and the one before that it was seven and I would like us to get a good points return again.

“It will be tough and a real test of our capabilities, but it’s one I feel we can manage.

“If we can raise the bar and show people we mean business, starting against Forest on Saturday, then I will be a happy man.”

Powell says Ince adds another dimension to an already talented Forest group and takes no heed of the fact the City Ground men haven’t won in eight outings under his friend Stuart Pearce.

“Jack Hunt is coming back here, Matty Fryatt and Britt Assombalonga are going well, Michail Antonio was an inspired signing and Michael Mancienne was a clever capture, so they are certainly not bad and they have options,” he said.

“They’ve got players who are very good at this level, but it’s up to us to carry on the work we’ve been doing and impose ourselves in what I’m sure will be a lively game.

“They are bringing a lot of backing, too, so it’s a good one for us and, hopefully, I’ve got the boys prepared well to go out and win the game.”