Kevin Nolan has made it clear that hitting the top 10 is a must for the Irons this season.

After the defeat at Manchester United he declared: We have to get into the top 10 – that is a realistic aim.

“We still have a lot of injuries – Andy Carroll, Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis, Joey O’Brien – and I’ve just come back, as has Carl Jenkinson.

“But because of the acquisitions, if we can keep that performance high and the tempo high, it’s exciting times for us.

“We really deserved a draw and when it comes to a decision by the officials that takes it away from you, it’s disappointing.

“I’m gutted but there are lots of positives to take away. I’m just hoping we continue to play the way we have done over the last few weeks.

“If we do that we will get the results we deserve. We just have to eradicate the sloppy mistakes this year if we want to be successful.

“We’ve got goals in everyone now across our front line. We still have a lot to learn, but I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”