COLIN Todd has told his star performers to snub the snipers by continuing to enjoy life at the top.

The Burnden boss has been irritated by suggestions that his runaway leaders have gone off the boil.

He's laughed off suggestions that their form has "slumped" and believes his players can draw inspiration from the criticism that followed successive defeats, 3-2 at home to Chesterfield in the FA Cup and the league defeat at Reading by the same scoreline.

Todd reckons: "There have been a few negative comments in the media and that's something the players might consider insulting considering the way they have played and the results they've had. If they see it that way it could be an inspiration.

"The fact is that we've enjoyed our football throughout the season and we're going to continue to enjoy it.

"We couldn't be in a better position and we are enjoying being there. If we play to our strengths there's no reason why we shouldn't stay there."

Wanderers go into tomorrow's game at Huddersfield 10 points clear of Barnsley and Wolves who are locked together on 55 points. Nathan Blake will resume his 44-goal partnership with John McGinlay after missing two games through suspension. That means no place in the starting line-up for Mixu Paatelainen, who made a sensational scoring return in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.

Alan Thompson starts a two-match ban, which will force a change in midfield, where David Lee is pressing for a recall and there could be a change in defence with Jimmy Phillips challenging Bryan Small for the left-back shirt.

Mid-table Hudderesfield, who have won eight of their 16 games at the McAlpine Stadium, expect to have full-back Steve Jenkins back from suspension.

Former Blackburn midfielder Lee Makel, missing for five games with an ankle injury, is likely to partner Marcus Browning, the £500,000 signing from Bristol Rovers, who makes his debut.

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