TIMES haven't been the best for Pawel Abbott of late, despite Town's progress to the play-off final.

Rested from the starting line-up for the first semi-final leg at Sincil Bank following his howler at Cheltenham, he was dropped altogether for the McAlpine decider.

Manager Peter Jackson explained he'd been unhappy with Abbott's application on the training ground and preferred to include John McAliskey.

Contrary to initial observations, he was on the pitch at the end celebrating with the rest of the squad after Rob Edwards' goal took Town through to Cardiff.

Rumours of a training ground argument persist, but Abbott had the smile back on his face when he left with the rest of Town's players yesterday for a relaxing break in Lancashire before training resumes on Monday.

One fan who reckons Abbott's smile could get a lot broader with selection in the team at the Millennium Stadium is Stan Frontczak.

Abbott always signals to the Crosland Moor-based fan at the McAlpine because he takes a Polish flag to home matches.

"I think Pav has been very hard done by this week, firstly with Jacko's comments and then with it being reported that he wasn't with the rest of the players when they were celebrating going through," said Stan.

"He got a lot of stick for what happened down at Cheltenham, even though every footballer makes those sorts of mistakes at some time in their career, and it's just how they handle it.

"I've been told by one of the radio reporters that Pav is quite a quiet and shy lad.

"He's not your typical footballer, if you like, and full of himself. He's just a quiet type.

"Fair enough, no-one knows better than him how costly the mistake was, but forgive and forget. Move on.

"Pav has done a great job for this club and I very much like him as a player. I also support him, obviously, because he's from the old country!

"He always gives me a wave when he sees my Polish flag and puts his thumbs up.

"And people should take my word for it. Pav will be back and if it's in the final, then so much the better."