Fans can play their part

SURVIVAL BELIEF . . . Chris Taylor gets stuck in during last weekend's gritty goalless draw at Swindon

ATHLETIC fans can provide a huge boost to the team's chances of avoiding the drop, according to winger Chris Taylor.

The on-loan Bolton star has been on the winning side in both of his appearances on home soil following his move back to SportsDirect.com Park on loan.

Taylor (30) is aiming to make it three in a row against former club Millwall on Saturday.

And should John Sheridan's side find themselves in difficulty at any stage, the home-grown star believes the supporters can once again drag their side to success.

"Home form for us is massive," said Taylor. "Win your home games and you give yourself a real chance to be successful and to do what you want to do.

SITUATION

"Since I have joined, the fans are really getting behind us as well.

"There was a sticky situation against Coventry at 1-1 when they hit the bar, but they really got us going again.

"That's what we will need between now and the end of the season."

The Lions, who have an FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham to look forward to next month, failed to climb into the top six after being held to a 0-0 home draw by Chesterfield last night.

Last season's losing play-off finalists are unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions, though. Taylor, who made 39 appearances for Millwall across two spells, knows how tough a task Athletic face to keep their own run of three unbeaten going.

"We need the points for totally different reasons to them," Taylor added. "It will be a very tough game and to take three points off them is a big ask.

"But we have got to believe that we can do it. We need the win to get closer to survival.

"They are strong in all areas. In attack they have a lot of goals in them, they don't concede many and the midfield works its socks off for the team.

"They are a very strong side for this league and they have had a fantastic season.

"The FA Cup run has been talked about a lot, but the way the league form has picked up lately has probably gone under the radar a little bit.

"They have done really well in the league and out themselves in a really good position.

"Neil Harris has done a great job and he is a really good manager.

"I've nothing but good things to say about him and I am sure he will continue to do well at Millwall."