Hamza Bencherif does not want to see Macclesfield in the top seven – until April.

The Silkmen are enjoying one of their best League Two seasons, reaching a high of eighth spot, and are currently in 10th place, three points off the play-offs.

But Algerian midfielder Bencherif thinks Macc’s best chance of mounting a promotion challenge is to remain on the fringes until the last few weeks off the campaign.

"I think we can make the play-offs but, to do this, teams have to be both physically and mentally strong," said the 22-year-old who was born in France.

"I think we need to be around mid-table in February – outside the play-offs – and then we can push on from there.

"We are only a young team and a small squad and, mentally, I think if we get into the play-off spots too soon we will crumble.

"We could just burn out so we just need to stay just outside the top seven and then push on.

"What we have to do now is stay focused and keep working hard for each other. We are one of the smallest squads in the league, we haven’t got the biggest budget and we haven’t got the most fans but the same could be said for Dagenham and Exeter and they did it. It’s not all about money and hopefully team spirit can see us through."

The League Two table is incredibly tight and, over the last few seasons, Macc have been more used to fighting a relegation battle.

A couple of defeats could still see them slide down the table but the midfielder, whose side have lost just once in five league games, hopes there is more steel to the current side.

"What we have here is an excellent team spirit. We have got a few players with experience who can take the lead and some young talented players. We seem to have found a good blend."

And, after criticism from Aldershot boss Kevin Dillon and Burton manager Paul Peschisolido, who have been less than complimentary about Macc’s style of play, he admits they are not wrong.

"We know you can’t always play attractive football in League Two. In theory you want to be but I agree that sometimes we play ugly but you have to to pick up points.

"There is no point in playing attractive football if you don’t win games. Playing ugly at times is working for us at the moment. If it doesn’t I am sure the gaffer will change it. I think teams are hearing us more this season though because of where we are in the table."

Bencherif suffered a horrific injury last season, breaking his leg and ankle which forced him to sit out most of the season. He also, with the rest of the Macc squad, had to cope with the sudden death of popular boss Keith Alexander last March with Alexander’s assistant Gary Simpson taking over and steering Macc away from relegation last season and, in this campaign, in the higher reaches of League Two.

"They are two different types of managers but, because Simmo was Keith’s assistant, there has been a continuation," continued Bencherif.

"Simmo is more like one of the lads. He is really close to the players and we are all friends. Perhaps Keith was more of a gaffer and Simmo more of a coach.

"But both ways work. Like at any football club, there are disagreements and sometimes it might be hard for Simmo because he is so close to the players but he deals with it all well.

"In the dressing room, Simmo stands back and lets us talk to each other or have a go and gives us the freedom to say what we think we need to say.

"And because he is close to the players, it means that everyone has to take responsibility. We do not have a big squad and we need to have some leaders in the team who take charge and that’s how the team works."

Bencherif has suffered a minor niggle this season and sat out the 6-0 FA Cup defeat to Huddersfield – the major blip in the club’s impressive season so far - – and wasn’t too disappointed the trip to Southend was postponed at the weekend.

"We do have to play them at some stage but it would have been awful to go down there and the game was called off. It does also allow me time to get my other ankle right.

"I injured it slightly, missed our win at Bradford and then obviously the manager didn’t change a winning team for the Huddersfield game. Now I just have to train and hope I get my chance again."

He has scored five goals so far from midfield and hopes he doesn’t stop there.

"In the past I have played more defensively but now I am in a more attacking role and have scored a few goals although lately it’s been harder.

"I do want to score at least 10 but as long as we win I don’t mind who scores. It’s when we lose and I haven’t scored that I come off upset with myself as I know a goal would have made a difference."

And he is hoping plenty more can make a difference come May.