A POINT may not be anything to crow about for most teams in the Championship.

But for Scunthorpe United defender Michael Raynes, after being involved in a run of nine defeats in 10 matches, it could be the catalyst for a survival push during the second half of the season.

Glanford Park has not so much been shrouded in doom, as lost in it following a wretched run of form.

But the 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday was key for more reasons than just moving to within three points of safety for the former Stockport County man.

It provided a first clean-sheet in five and suggested the Iron may well have the stomach for a fight, even if their attacking deficiencies are yet to be resolved.

"I think we did well to keep a clean-sheet," said the 23-year-old of a side who have achieved seven shutouts this season, but only two in the last 11 matches.

"The fact we kept a clean-sheet means we can push on from there.

"We have conceded a heck of a lot goals, which has been very disappointing from our point of view, so to keep a clean-sheet was a bonus.

"We have set ourselves a benchmark now in terms of work-rate.

"Hopefully it is going to be our turning point, if we can get a result against Preston next week then we know it is in our own hands.

"But I think the fans hopefully saw the work-rate the boys put in on Saturday and hopefully that can be the catalyst."

If so, it would come just in the nick of time for United, with bottom club Preston at Glanford Park on Saturday and a trip to struggling Middlesbrough on the cards a week tonight.

They will get a third crack at completing their first double over Championship opposition this season when Preston arrive, with Raynes heaping importance upon the forthcoming fixtures.

"They are absolutely massive games," added the centre-back.

"They are the biggest games of the season and if you are not up for those games then you have got problems.

"People don't like coming here, people don't like going out on that pitch so we have got to use that in our favour.

"The doggedness we showed on Saturday will stand us in good stead."

A solid performance from the centre-half added to that steel, and with first-choice centre-back David Mirfin returning to full fitness, it leaves manager Ian Baraclough with a welcome selection dilemma for the weekend.

"I have not come here to sit on the bench," added the Mancunian.

"The gaffer knows that and he knows I can do a job in midfield as well if he needs me there.

"I am trying to give myself as many options as possible.

"Hopefully I have given him a massive headache by keeping a clean-sheet on Saturday."