TOWN boss Mark Cooper believes it is crucial his team do not get distracted by matters off the pitch in tonight's derby clash with Bristol City.

After the disappointing defeat to MK Dons in front of the cameras on Saturday, Cooper’s side will have their attempt at redemption screened live too.

Town triumphed in the reverse fixture back in November, with Steve Cotterill’s side coming out too fired-up at the County Ground and seeing Wade Elliot sent off inside the first minute.

It is a sell-out at Ashton Gate and no doubt the atmosphere in the stadium will be fierce. It is key for Swindon’s momentum in the season’s final month they come away with something from the game. Retaining their cool will be a big part of that.

"It's important that we just play the game and not the occasion,” Cooper told the local media.

“Do not worry about all the razzmatazz and hullabaloo around it; concentrate on the game.

"I don't think the atmosphere will be a problem to them. I think they will be fine.

"(The derby atmosphere) is great. You savour it before the game, but, once the whistle goes, you've got a job to do and you've got to blank everything else out.

"You've got so much to think about when you're a player. You've got different jobs to do and you've got to concentrate. If you start looking around and waving at your mum and your grandma, then you take your eye off the ball.”

The Swindon Advertiser was not permitted to attend Town's pre-match press conference.