PAOLO Di Canio expects a positive response from his players to his post-Morecambe comments when Swindon host Northampton at the County Ground today.

The Robins recorded a second win in as many games at the Shrimps on Friday, with Paul Benson’s 46th-minute strike enough to secure the three points.

Town head into today’s game 10 points clear of fourth and are likely to need only a couple more victories from their remaining six games to secure promotion.

But Di Canio fears another performance like the one against Morecambe could make achieving that more difficult than it should be, and he made it clear in no uncertain terms that at least six of his players were considerably below par at the Globe Arena.

“When you are close to the target sometimes you prefer to take the three points and play bad than lose and play well, but that is not for me,” said the Town boss.

“If we play like we did for the first 45 minutes at Morecambe it would be difficult because we were a little lucky.

“So I expect a different approach because it would stupid and for stupid people to approach this game maybe light or floppy, because that is not for us.”

While Di Canio was not happy with the overall performance of his team on Friday, he has been pleased with how his team have adapted when without their key players.

Neither Matt Ritchie or Paul Caddis have played in the last two games, yet still Town managed to come away with maximum points.

“Even if I didn’t enjoy the way we played on Friday, we still created chances towards the end and kill the game,” added Di Canio.

“We were unfortunately not on fire to kill the game but the fact the defensive and midfield lines worked so hard to help get the three points, means that this team can play even without the top player sometimes.

“Even if we miss Paul Benson, Alan McCormack, Paul Caddis or Matt Ritchie we can win because we have discipline and shape.

“However, in the long run you would pay your price and it would be difficult to stay at the top.”