RICARDO Gardner is confident Wanderers can steer themselves clear of the Division One doldrums.

The Jamaican international, who salvaged a point with a late equaliser in Saturday's Roses battle with Barnsley, admitted the 2-2 draw was another disappointing result.

It was two more home points dropped - Wanderers have taken only five points from a possible 12 at the Reebok - but the left-flanker is predicting they will pull away from danger and mount a challenge at the top end of the division.

"Each game we are getting better and better," he suggested after claiming his first league goal of the season when his 85th minute shot deflected in off the luckless David Tuttle whose own goal had given Wanderers a fourth minute flyer.

"I think we can step up again for the next game and I think by the end we will be at the top."

Gardner won glowing tributes from boss Colin Todd for being undaunted after missing a string of first half chances.

"He could have had three," the manager agreed, "but he's done magnificently. Last season was his first in this country and he still looks around the dressing room sometimes and wonders what's going on. Life is so different for him here.

"But he came out in the second half and was absolutely brilliant again."

The player remains self-critical, though, and admits: "I can do a lot better!"

"I think I have improved a lot from last year and I'm playing much better but I think I can give more, both defending and going forward.

"I just need to keep my head right."

Gardner will be hoping to celebrate his 21st birthday on Saturday with a much-needed victory over Nottingham Forest at the Reebok but he is likely to miss the trip to Wolves a fortnight later when he is due to play for Jamaica in a friendly against Trinidad.

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