The Exiles are 14th in the congested table, just two points behind seventh-placed Harrogate after Saturday’s 1-0 win against Gillingham.

County have taken 20 points from their last nine fixtures with six wins, two draws and a solitary defeat.

Coughlan’s side have gone from 21st in mid-November and trying to ensure they don’t get dragged into the relegation scrap to trying to force their way into the top seven.

The manager is trying to ensure there is a next-game mentality in his squad – fifth-placed MK Dons away on Saturday – but those outside the camp are dreaming of a bid for Wembley.

“It’s very, very difficult to quell the expectation and excitement," he said. "We had similar issues going into Eastleigh away when because of the prize [Manchester United in the fourth round] everybody lost concentration and I had to keep the lads away from that.

“I can’t help what people think and say, and I am delighted that the fans are excited and we are giving them something to shout about, but we have to keep our feet on the ground.

“If you get above your station and think that you’ve cracked it in this game then you will get a size nine up the backside.”

County before their win against Gillingham (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

County were tipped by many to be strugglers after a summer of key departures and financial fears, then had to dig deep during an autumn injury crisis.

“I am really pleased with the progress this club has made in the last 18 months and I am really pleased with the development in that changing room in terms of mindset and mentality, resilience and character,” said Coughlan.

“What will be will be and we will just try and win the next game at MK Dons, that is our mentality.

“If people get excited and carried away then I don’t want them to get too disappointed if it doesn’t come off.

“It’s a tall order, a big ask, a huge, huge challenge and I never thought we would get to 46 points as quickly as we have at the start of the season because we had some really tough times and dark days.

Fair play to the lads and the new owner because Huw [Jenkins] has given us a little bit of clarity, direction and stability. The lads are feeding off that, and so are the crowd.”

County are in good form but will be tested by a tough run of fixtures against teams above them.

League Two standings (Image: EFL)

They travel to MK Dons (fifth)and Harrogate (seventh), host Mansfield (second), visit leaders Stockport (leaders), entertain Morecambe (tenth) then head to Wimbledon (eighth) and Barrow (sixth).

“We are going to come up against teams who spend money to beat the band, have strength in depth, quality players and massive wages,” said Coughlan.

“We can compete with them and give it a go but let’s deal with MK Dons first and see where we are after that.

“We have got targets individually and collectively and 46 is a big points haul at this stage, then going beyond last season’s 57 points would be a minor miracle.”