SWINDON Town manager Paolo Di Canio is convinced his side will drastically improve on their recent performances when they travel to Gillingham tomorrow.

Town were far from at their best when they lost 2-1 at Aldershot on Tuesday night, which followed a run of games in which they had to fight to grind out results and failed to match their dominant displays from earlier in the season.

Di Canio questioned his players’ commitment following the loss at the EBB Stadium, but with the issues surrounding a late night drinking session on Saturday seemingly resolved, the Italian knows his side will give their all at Priestfield.

“Not playing well can happen, or maybe the other team play better than you, but in terms of commitment and desire I am sure we will make completely different performances now,” he said.

“In the last three games we know we were not the same team, and for this I think we were a little bit lucky.

“Against Northampton and Plymouth we won with one goal and created a lot of chances but we were under fire.

“I am sure Saturday will be much better, and now they realise it is better to win and go up early.

“If you play with no commitment and desire against any side then you deserve to lose. Gillingham are a good side who are only four points from the play-offs and they will give their best, so we need to too.”

Winger Matt Ritchie could make a welcome return to the side after missing the last five games with an ankle injury, and Di Canio has challenged him to regain the form which saw him named as the League Two player of the year.

“He was not ready on Tuesday, but for Saturday he will be ready. If nothing happens in the next few days he can have his part because he is one of the most genuine guys I have ever met.

“Ritchie is a crucial player, and this is why he was player of the year, but in the months before his injury he was not the best Ritchie.

“He had the chance to move to another club and get a big contract with big money, but now he is on fire again because he was out for a few games.

“Like Paul Caddis he wants to come in like he was never out. They work well together and the fact he will come back is important to us.”

Di Canio was also pleased to see Gillingham and Medway Council resolve their dispute which had threatened to see the game played behind closed doors due to a row over policing.

“I hope we can sell out our 1,400 tickets and have fans to celebrate with us,” he said.

“They follow us every time, and they are very kind and understand we are very close to celebrating.

“It is not fair for them to come and we lose in the manner we did at Aldershot, so we hope to win this time and we will celebrate.”