JAMES Gray has backed Accrington Stanley to bounce back from defeat at struggling Tranmere Rovers and take their frustration out on AFC Wimbledon this weekend - and he wants to play his part.

The Reds suffered an off-day as Rovers roared to their biggest win of the season - 3-0 - to climb out of the League Two drop zone.

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But Gray is confident of a response, not just this weekend but in a big week for the club in their quest for a play-off place.

After Saturday’s trip to Kingsmeadow to face a side just ahead of them on goal difference, Stanley play back-to-back home games, including one of their two games in hand - at home to Bury - on Tuesday.

“I think seven points from the next three games is achievable, “Saturday was a blip. This is the best squad I’ve been involved with at Accrington,” said Gray, who is eager to thrust himself into Coleman’s thoughts.

An ever-present under James Beattie this season, the striker has started only twice in the league since Coleman returned in September.

The 22-year-old admits his cause was not helped by serving a suspension when the appointment was made, following his red card in the defeat to Oxford, but said: “It’s a test of my mental strength.

“All footballers want to play, but hopefully when I get my chance I take it.”

Gray, who began the season with five goals in eight league and cup games - including the winner in the last meeting with AFC Wimbledon, added: “I was third top scorer in the league at one point, but then I got sent off and missed three games. I haven’t scored under the new manager yet either.

“It’s frustrating but all I can do is carry on working hard.”

This is not new territory for Gray.

“I was probably in the same position last season, but then I hit a good run of form,” said the forward, who was in and out of the side for the first half of 2013/14.

A late winner at Mansfield thrust him into Beattie’s thoughts, and he went on to contribute key goals as Stanley secured survival.

It led to the former Northern Ireland Under-21s captain’s inclusion in the senior squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Chile.

Gray fears being forgotten if he is not getting regular first team football.

“I’ve not been called up or on standby since,” he said. “I’m just keeping my head down and working hard. Things can change quickly in football.”