PAOLO Di Canio has targeted a minimum of four points from the next two games for Swindon to all but seal promotion back to League One.

Town took full advantage of their game in hand on Tuesday by beating Barnet 2-0 and move five points clear at the top of the table.

More importantly, though, is that the Robins are now eight ahead of the play-off places with just seven games remaining.

Should results go their way, promotion could be wrapped up with a win over Plymouth at the County Ground a week tomorrow.

Today’s opponents Morecambe have little but pride to play for, with the Shrimps comfortably ensconced in midtable and a slim chance of sneaking into the play-offs.

On Easter Monday, Town host Northampton, who still need points to be certain of retaining their League Two status, and Di Canio believes a haul of four points from the next two games will keep his side firmly on course to achieve their target for the season.

“We have the chance to take a few points, minimum four, then we are very close, because with 84 points and five games to go after Easter Monday we would be very close,” said the Town boss.

“It will be crucial not to lose and we go to Morecambe to win, but we know it will be tough. There is a big opportunity for us to get very close to the direct promotion.”

Though Morecambe have little to play for, Di Canio does not believe that will make them easier to beat.

Instead, the Italian is expecting Jim Bentley’s side to give their all, with Swindon’s position at the top of the table meaning every side between now and the end of the season will be extra determined to take points off them.

“They are not very good at home, especially when they switch off a bit, but it is obvious that they can be a dangerous team though because they don’t have anything to lose,” said Di Canio.

“From now, every team will want to play the best they can against us because they will want to prove that they are not inferior in some way to us - if not as a team, individually they will want to give their best.

“This team have physical presence, they are big and strong and at the beginning of the season they were a very good side.

“It will be tough so we shall see but as always I am not worried because I think that we can decide our destiny as we are the best side.

“There is no point being diplomatic and I am not being arrogant, I thought this when we were sixth and so I was right as we are now at the top.

“However, it will be difficult because this is a game like Tuesday, but we will go there to try and win.”

Lee Holmes is expected to be added to the squad today but Matt Ritchie and Paul Caddis will likely miss out as they continue their recovery from injuries.

Town proved they have the strength in depth to cover their absence on Tuesday though as Di Canio brought in some fringe players at Barnet and they repaid him by helping Swindon collect three points.

But Di Canio does not view anyone in his squad as a fringe player, and had no doubt that those he picked would do the job he asked.

“Some people before the game against Barnet were concerned because we would start without the four main players who play the football , but I woke up on the morning of the game more confident than ever,” he said.

“The reason why was because in the game 10 of the 14 players who were involved started with me from July.

“Nathan Thompson and Raffa De Vita were there and they have worked with me for the last seven months, so I know they can guarantee to me what I need from them to win the game.

“For this reason I was confident. Maybe individually we had less technical ability and trickery but we had the quality to win.

“The way we maintain the discipline, work together and don’t lose the distance is crucial because that comes from their desire to win from the very first day.

“That is clear when even a player like Nathan Thompson, who was not involved the last couple of months, still gives what we ask from him and this is what makes me happy.”