RECRUITMENT in January has helped drive morale in the Swindon Town dressing room to a level that will grant the club an opportunity to build on their home win against Forest Green Rovers last week, according to midfielder Jak McCourt.

Results since New Year’s Day have seen Town record 12 points from six games – including wins against promotion hopefuls MK Dons and Forest Green Rovers.

A distinct focus on counter attacking and pressing play appears to have served Wellens’ side well, and has perhaps been the biggest change in Town’s style of play since Phil Brown’s departure in November.

A counter-attacking move against Macclesfield in early January saw Town snatch a late winner before Michael Doughty pressed Tranmere Rovers’ defence two weeks later to net that game’s winning goal.

In addition, both goals against Forest Green occurred on the counter attack – reinforcing that Wellens’ strategy is starting to pay dividends.

And McCourt’s personal morale matches the optimistic mood he senses from supporters on the terraces.

He said: “I’m really happy to be playing games at the moment, that's why I decided to join Swindon.

“We’re winning games too, which means we have a happy dressing room.

“It’s a credit to the manager and staff with regards to the players that he has brought in.

“Not too much has changed since Richie (Wellens) joined. There have been a few tweaks here and there.

“We know with the pace that we have got in the team that we can counter attack any team in this division.

“We’ve focused on that a little bit more and the shape that we position ourselves in when the opponents have the ball.

“With the pace and energy we have, it can hurt teams.”

The 23-year-old enjoyed a rare weekend off with his two children after Town’s fixture against Newport was postponed due to the Welsh side’s FA Cup tie against Manchester City.

Since Wellens’ arrival at the club, McCourt has featured in 11 games out of a possible 16 – adopting a fresh forward-thinking midfield role.

It’s a contrast to the holding role that previous manager Phil Brown placed the Liverpool-born midfielder in.

But the former Chesterfield man insists he is happy playing anywhere in midfield should Wellens deem it necessary to change tactics due to familiarity.

He added: “I am playing forward more, to be honest I think I can play further forward or in the holding role – neither bothers me too much.

“Right now, I’m enjoying where I am playing.”