Stags' Brough eyes Foster partnership

MICHAEL Brough is hoping to establish the kind of central defensive partnership with Luke Foster that can lead Mansfield Town to the play-offs.

The Stags have rarely had a settled pairing at the heart of their defence since the turn of the year.

They have kept just one clean sheet in nine games during that time, conceding 15 goals.

Brough and Scott Garner began 2010 together but loss of form, together with injuries and suspensions, has seen four other combinations tried.

The latest saw the former Notts County man picked alongside skipper Foster against Salisbury on Saturday.

Brough is now determined to make the position his own for the rest of the season and, in doing so, help the Stags clinch a place in the top five.

"I have always said that I want to play centre half and feel that is my best position now," said Brough.

"I'm enjoying it and I'm looking to strike up a good relationship with Fozzie.

"We need to start keeping clean sheets regularly, like we did against Luton, and if you play with the same person week in, week out, it helps.

"What has happened to Luke Jones (out with ankle ligament damage) is unfortunate, but it is an opportunity for me and if we can get it right at the back and get on a decent run then getting in the play-offs is still in our hands."

Brough has been impressed with the way Gary Mills has played since coming back into the Mansfield side.

The midfielder looked to be on his way out of Field Mill when he was relieved of the captaincy and made available for loan.

But he was outstanding against Salisbury and Brough added: "If he can continue like that for the rest of the season it will really help us.

"Gary has shown a lot of character. One minute you can be out of the equation and the next back in, but you can only admire how he has performed."