MAURICE Malpas is tipping Moses Ashikodi to play a big part in Town's push for the League One play-offs after the striker finally broke his duck in midweek.

The front man, on loan from Watford until the end of the season, has struggled since his arrival at the County Ground in January.

However, he grabbed his first goal for the club in a reserve team match against Plymouth on Wednesday, and Malpas believes that will have given Ashikodi, pictured, the confidence to push on and stake a claim for a starting spot in the first team.

"Moses worked hard, scored our goal and had two or three saved by the keeper," said Malpas.

"As a striker that's what you want - you want to get opportunities and a goal.

"If he had scored two or three that would have been better for him, but he got one and it's now just a case of him keeping on going.

"We spoke to him after the game and it's all about encouragement with Moses. We've got to encourage him to relax and play, as opposed to getting up-tight.

"He possibly thinks he needs to do the magical trick or pass to impress us, whereas I'm the complete opposite and would prefer to see him do the simple thing, keep the ball and help us work as a team."

Ashikodi is expected to have to settle for a place on the bench this afternoon against Walsall.

But with Town's forward line far from settled in recent weeks due to injuries and suspensions, Ashikodi could well get another chance to start before too long.

And Malpas believes a goal or two in the first team would lead to Town fans seeing a very different side to the former Rangers man.

"Moses is a typical young striker - he needs to be scoring goals for his confidence," revealed Malpas.

"If he doesn't score he gets upset and it affects the rest of his game.

"He's the most down-hearted laddie I've ever seen after a game when he's played poorly, so it's something that we need to keep working away at.

"We don't judge players on one or two games. I think he's got a lot to give to the club.

"He's shown in glimpses in games he's played that he's got a lot to give to the team.

"He's a big, different type of player to what we've got, and I'm sure he'll get his chance.

"But he's got to keep working hard and produce performances that make me change my mind."