Joel Lynch says being handed the Huddersfield Town captaincy provided him with a perfect pick-me-up after a tough start to the season.

In Lee Peltier’s absence, the 26-year-old centre-back was proud to lead the team to their first Championship win of the term at Reading on Tuesday.

Welsh international Lynch is now hoping to help seal a follow-up success against Charlton Athletic in the fourth round of league games.

“Getting the captaincy was a proud moment for me,” explained the former Nottingham Forest and Brighton player.

“I was really pleased Mark Lillis thought of me, and it was exactly what I needed.

“It was great to get that win the other night.

All the lads gave a huge amount of effort, and that meant a lot to me.”

Lynch, who joined Town in 2012 and signed a new two-year contract this summer, says stand-in manager Lillis has made a big impact on the squad.

“He has been a brilliant motivator,” explained the Eastbourne-born player.

“The two Steves (Thompson and Eyre) have had their input as well.

“They are spending a lot of time with us on a individual basis.

“We all know our jobs and what is expected of us, on and off the pitch.

“The morale has improved and we’re all well motivated for matches.

“We all made mistakes in that first match against Bournemouth, and I hold my hands up.

“But we got the Capital One Cup win at Chesterfield and although we lost at Cardiff last Saturday, our performance was improved.

Reading was a step in the right direction, but we know we have to keep playing that way.”

Lillis has switched from three to four at the back.

And Lynch says it’s a system he is more comfortable with.

“Three centre-backs has become quite popular, it has its advantages, and it times, we played it successfully last season,” he added.

“But it’s a hard formation to make work. I am more used to playing a four, and overall I think it’s more solid.

“I think it comes more naturally to most of the lads.”

Lynch’s recent centre-back partner has been Murray Wallace, and he’s been impressed with the 21-year-old’s form.

“Murray is great to play alongside and he has got me out of a few tight spots,” said Lynch.

“He’s left footed like myself, but has played on the right side and done it really well.

“He has an aggressive approach, and really puts body on the line.”

Conor Coady, Town’s recent £375,000 arrival from Liverpool, has provided a shield for the back four, and Lynch continued: “He and Jacob Butterfield have been really good additions.

“Conor is a real workhorse, cleaning things up, and he’s also a good organiser.

“Jacob is a very good player too, one who likes to get on the ball and go forward.”