CLYDE forward Scott McManus has urged his team-mates to be focused from the first kick of the ball against Annan today.

Recent weeks have witnessed Barry Ferguson's lose early goals and been unable to recover.

A play-off place looks unlikely after two successive defeats, but McManus has targeted an unbeaten run between now and the end of the campaign.

"We lost a goal after only two minutes last weekend and it is so tough to get back into the game after that," said the 24-year-old.

"This week the gaffer has been going over the importance of getting off to a good start instead of trying to feel our way into the game.

"We have Annan today, who are a good side and we played well against them the last time we met, but it is crucial we keep our heads."

McManus has not given up on a play-off place, and added: "In some ways it is out of our hands because we would need teams round about us to slip up, but if we look after ourselves and win our own games then you never know what could come from it.

"And the other aspect of that is that a team which finishes the season on a decent run of form will set down strong foundations for next term.

"From the start of the season until now I feel as though I have improved loads as a player and I think that is down to the manager," explained McManus.

"There are a lot of us who feel that way and I think if we do miss out on the play-offs, but are playing well, then we will feel confident going into next season.

"The manager has urged us to think a bit differently off the park, our mentality has changed a bit and I think if we can keep progressing we have the makings of a really strong squad.

"The aim now is to finish as strongly as we possibly can. If we can do that then you don't know what might happen for us.

"Today is all about trying to get three points and get back on track after the defeat last weekend."