WADE Elliott has used his attacking influence to devastating affect this season.

The 29-year-old is revelling in manager Owen Coyle's emphasis on wingers and currently tops the Championship charts with 10 assists so far, with team-mate Robbie Blake just behind on nine.

But he has revealed how the inspiring defensive efforts of his team-mates have helped to enhance his all-round game.

"The first thing the manager said when he came in was he wanted everybody to be positive, to get the ball down and play, and I think the lads have tried to take that ethos onto the pitch," said Elliott.

"The manager encourages us to get on the ball, but he also emphasises that sometimes you have to do a job for the team, the same as the other lads.

"You can see them screaming at each other if you're not putting a shift in.

"We've got lads in the team, like our back four, who will stick their head in the way of anything, even if they take a boot to the head.

"You see that, and it's infectious. You think I'm not going to let my man run off me when they've just taken a whack to keep the ball out of our box'.

"The lads up front are quick to appreciate when you get a cross in, and by the same token, the squad behind you let you know if someone has run off you, or if you're doing well.

"There's a good spirit among the lads, everybody will say their piece to each other to help each other.

"There are some strong characters in the side, lads who have been in the play-offs in this division, who have won promotion from this division, and know what it takes.

"When they say we have to do this and that', you have to respect that and take that on board."