Town skipper spurred on Cameron Gayle

Gayle, a summer signing following his release from West Brom, started the season in Micky Mellon's first-team.

He then found himself out of the side following the arrivals of Jack Grimmer and Josh Passley on loan.

But the wing-back put in an impressive display when recalled to the side for the goalless draw at Luton and has subsequently kept up the good form against Hartlepool and during Saturday's 3-2 success against Stevenage.

And Lawrence, who has won 15 caps for the Republic of Ireland, revealed he moved to keep the defender motivated while he was out of the side.

The Town skipper said: "We had two loan lads come in and Cam has found himself out of the team.

"I told him to keep his head and that he will get a chance because there are five-six months of the season left.

"I told him to keep going, keep working hard and an opportunity will come up and it has. Fair play to him, the gaffer has stuck him back in the team and he has been brilliant."

Town boss Micky Mellon believes Gayle is now learning the mental attributes that are required to be a professional footballer.

Mellon said: "There are two things every player has to have in their game – desire and determination.

"Since Cam has got his chance again he has realised in order to have a career in league football you need to have desire.

"You have to be able to battle and scrap and if you do that then your ability will come through.

"There is no doubt Cameron has got ability, so I'm delighted for him that he is playing well."