Todd Cantwell believes the Christmas period will be an acid test for Blackburn Rovers to prove their credentials for a top-six finish.
Rovers sit fifth in the Championship table with a game in hand heading into a tough run of fixtures over the festive period. Rovers travel to Millwall, host Sunderland and Hull City and face Leeds United in an 11-day period. They then host Burnley to cap off a testing two weeks.
With four of their next five games against sides also in the promotion race, it will be a strong measure of Rovers' hopes heading into the January transfer window and New Year.
Cantwell feels Rovers have gone under the radar so far but backed his side to change that with some important results.
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"It is a tough ask, so many games which do come thick and fast," he said first on the schedule, speaking to talkSPORT breakfast.
"The beauty of the Championship is everyone has the ability to beat the next team.
"Nothing is ever promised and that's what makes it exciting. We're out here six on the bounce and putting a string of games where you win takes you a long way up the league.
"I wasn't here last season but I had a watchful eye on the Championship as most do. We have come on leaps and bounds since then.
"The beauty of it at the moment is that we're going under the radar because we're not expected to be where we are. But there is good reasons for it."
"The next games will definitely be a test. We have been under the radar which is nice. Soon, if we continue with these results, we won't be.
"It's an important period, if any team is in and around it by the end of January then you've probably weathered that storm of the Championship a little bit.
"I think we're quite optimistic that we can get some good results in this period and be in a good position at the end of it."
Cantwell again paid homage to John Eustace for his role in uniting the club and leading them up the table. The head coach has performed a remarkable job and it's his man-management style which is often highlighted by those who work under him.
"I think it's been a revelation under the manager, to be honest," he said.
"He's exactly the type of manager you want to play for, he's very honest. He says exactly what he means and means what he says. Nowadays, as a player, it's probably the most important thing that a player can trust a manager.
"You need to know that what is being said is what will happen. He's faultless at the moment.
"Missing pre-season is not ideal, it doesn't put you in the best place for ara new season but the club and the manager have been patient with me, got me up to speed.
"I'm in a good position now and so are the team. We are going in the right direction at the moment."
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