Christopher Samba admits Blackburn Rovers players are fed-up with the lack of recognition they've received this season.
The Congo defender is dismayed by the lack of plaudits being showered on Ewood Park and claims they are not expected to maintain their stunning start to the season.
But Samba insists Blackburn's thirst for acknowledgement has made them even more determined to ensure they do not fade out of contention.
"People don't give us much credit for what we are doing. I hope we continue and people will start giving us the credit we deserve," he said. "Blackburn is not the biggest club in the league. Maybe people think that we are doing well at the moment but will drop off later.
"We try week after week to prove that this is not true, that we can keep it up with the quality we have in the squad.
"The difference between those who finish in the middle and at the top of the pack is the ability to keep going until the end.
"The lack of recognition is a motivation for us as it is the players - and only the players - who can prove our potential."
Samba, who signed a new five-year deal at Ewood Park last week, credits boss Mark Hughes for establishing the backbone that runs throughout the team.
"Our spirit comes from the gaffer. He has taught us the need to be winners," he said. "He sends us into each game knowing how good we are and the potential we have.
"We want to achieve things at Blackburn and he has given us the belief that we can.
"We believe in our potential and are all pulling in the same direction. If we continue like this we can achieve very good things.
"Our objective is to be better than last season and to get into Europe.
"Hopefully we can finish this season like we did last term - exceptionally.
"We made a strong start last season and this time we want to finish that way too. If we do that then we can look to the top of the league."
