VETERAN striker Iffy Onuora believes more of Town's young guns can follow Jon Stead into the Premiership.
The 36-year-old frontman has been delighted to return to his first club this season and to help his old mate Peter Jackson spearhead a run to promotion.
Onuora, who missed out on playing in the Millennium Stadium final and is ultimately looking to move into coaching, insists Town are very much on the up.
"There are three or four of our excellent young players who could easily go on to play at the highest level," said Onuora.
"What has happened to Jonathan Stead is a great inspiration to everyone.
"He has not only gone straight from Town and into the Premiership, but he has flourished in the top flight and that's a fantastic example to all the young players here.
"It will be tougher next season for the lads who are breaking through.
"Sometimes the second season can be a lot harder than the first, and especially when you've gone up a division like we have.
"I'm sure the manager and Taff are already thinking who they can bring in to add some experience next time, but I've been impressed with what I've seen of all the young lads and I'm sure they will continue to do well."
Onuora has enjoyed his short spell back at the club he first joined under Eoin Hand in 1989.
"It's been great to be around the club," he said.
"I've been very much the elder statesman but it's very nice to see a group of Town players growing up together and coming through together because this is a club very close to my heart.
"I always look for Town's result and, when you think of all the good young lads on the books here, it really is a big plus point for the future."
Onuora - once a play-off player with Mansfield following his move to Field Mill a decade ago - is keen to earn another playing contract next season before thinking about coaching.
"I do feel I've got some good football left in me and plenty to offer," he said.
"There have been times when I've been injured when I've got fed up and thought `do I need to grind myself into the ground for this,' but you live for occasions like the play-off final and you have to factor that in when you're playing on a freezing Tuesday night in the middle of winter in Hartlepool.
"The thing is I still very much enjoy playing and I'll carry on at the best level I can.
"I don't expect to play 46 games a season any more, but I do feel I've got more to offer.
"Once I am finished with playing, though, it would be nice to have the opportunity to do a bit of coaching. That would enable me to stay involved in the game."
