LEE CLARK picked out matchwinner Michael Collins for special praise after Town’s 1-0 victory over Peterborough.

The Republic of Ireland Under 21 player struck in the 35th minute with his seventh goal of the season.

And Clark said: “We’ve got a fantastic return of goals from midfield players and Michael is impressing me more and more by the day.

“It’s not just in his performances, but in his attitude and application and his wish to improve.

“He’s always asking myself and my staff questions and he wants to improve. He wants to become a better player, not just as an individual but as a team player, and he deserves every bit of success which comes his way.”

Clark, who said he could yet make another signing before the transfer window closes at 5.00 today, used all three of his additions so far as his side stayed 10th in League I but moved to within six points of the play-off places.

Anthony PIlkington was handed his second start on the left wing in place of Gary Roberts, who completes a three-match ban when Hartlepool visit tomorrow.

Lionel Ainsworth made his first start on the right wing while Dominik Werling replaced him in on the hour, taking up a left-sided midfield berth (Pilkington went right) as Clark tried to halt Peterborough pressure.

“I thought all three contributed to a good result,” he explained.

“But I also know there is a lot more to come, from them, because it can take time to settle at a new club.

“Dominik played further up the field than usual because we had to stem their pressure.

“Darren (Ferguson) had done some tinkering, bringing George Boyd off our centre-backs and into the game more, and we had to counter that.

“Lionel and Anthony are both attack-minded players, while Dominik understands the defensive side better.”

On Town’s overall performance, Clark said: “I’m delighted with the application, because we created some good chances in the first half.

“The second half got a little bit hectic, and we couldn’t stamp our authority on the game, but it’s a clean sheet, and that’s a good way to win.

“I thought we stifled them well in the first half and the lads at the back did their jobs well.

“Peterborough possess a lot of quality going forward, and everyone in the team put a shift in.”