City captain David Wetherall is backing manager Nicky Law to get his struggling team through the hectic Christmas schedule.

Law has set a target of seven to nine points from the next four matches and Wetherall thinks that is possible - despite City's lingering striker crisis.

With loan signing Delroy Facey back at Bolton and a replacement almost impossible to hire at this time of the year, Law was pinning his hopes on the return of Ashley Ward.

But the striker looks unlikely to return to action from injury any earlier than the New Year.

Ward has missed the last six weeks because of ankle and knee problems, last appearing against Brighton on November 2.

"It was a big blow losing Del (Facey)," said Wetherall, himself battling back to fitness.

"He was really coming on for us and was doing well. But we do have other options here and the gaffer will be able to get the best out of what he has got.

"With all these games it can make or break a season but confidence is up because of the manner of that win last week and the boys are beginning to think we can get out of this.

"We have been hit hard by injuries but the backs-to-the-wall spirit developed in the summer is still with us."

City are currently fifth from bottom of Nationwide Division One, eight points ahead of bottom club Sheffield Wednesday.