SWINDON Town’s presence at the top of the league will act as a motivator for Yeovil Town, his side’s opposition tomorrow, according to Robin’s boss Mark Cooper.

Despite the Glovers’ lowly position in League One, Swindon will be taking nothing for granted in Somerset. Plymouth proved last week that easy games are hard to come by and Cooper is aware if his side do not start positively they could come unstuck at Huish Park.

Motivation is a topic the County Ground chief has touched on before, in reference to his own players. He believes rather than being intimidated by teams at the top of the table, players become more motivated when faced with stiffer opposition.

It is for that reason Cooper will be steeling his players for a quick start ahead of Saturday’s fifth away game in a row.

“The last time we had an international break we were a little sloppy in the first 10 minutes at Bradford. I reminded the players about that this week, they have to start the game better than that,” he said.

“We certainly are very respectful because they got out of this league with not loads of money and they played in the Championship last year. I think Gary (Johnson) has had to do a bit of surgery on his squad, which takes time to gel and it’s not going to happen overnight for them.

“He’d rather be a playing a team at the top of the league because his players will automatically be up for it.

“If you’re playing a team near the bottom there’s a little bit of apathy about the place, it’s difficult sometimes for the players to get up for it.

“I’m sure his players will be really ready for the game, right up for it and we’re expecting a right tough game.

“It’s a little bit of a derby, we’ll take good support down there again, it’ll be a good atmosphere and we have to be ready.

“Like a lot of teams they’ve got threats all over the pitch. If you’re not right, you’re not ready and at the top of your game you can get hurt. If we’re not ready and we’re not up for it we can get beat.”