After reaching double figures for the season with a trademark penalty against Tranmere on Tuesday night, Paul Hayes stated that Blues will only have themselves to blame if they don’t achieve promotion to League One this season.

A calf injury had kept the Wanderers captain out for over a month but he returned to the starting line-up for the first time, since victory against Hartlepool on January 3, when he featured from the start against Carlisle two weeks ago.

And a full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win at Prenton Park saw Hayes plant his spot-kick past Owain Fon Williams to score his tenth goal of the season – his first since November 17.

He said: “It’s been a long time coming due to the injury and different formations that we play, so it’s very pleasing to know that I’ve come back now.

“This was my second start and I’ve needed a goal. I needed a goal and it’s good, but I’m not a person to dwell on goals and think about myself.

“It’s about the team, and I think everyone, from Matty (Ingram) up to the front, dug deep, put a shift in and got the benefits from it.”

A tenth away win of the season takes Wanderers to within a point of league leaders Burton Albion with just 12 fixtures remaining.

Blues also have a five-point cushion ahead of fourth place Luton Town as they continue to defy the odds and occupy one of the three automatic promotion places.

“The gaffer has obviously played it down (promotion) and we all have,” said Hayes.

“But now, with 12 games left in the season, we’re in a great position and it’s there for us. If we don’t get promoted it’s our own fault. We have to grab the bull by the horns and give it a go now.”

Wanderers had scored just twice in five matches before the 31-year-old was fit enough to return to starting XI and the three games since have yielded seven goals.

Fred Onyedinma has played alongside Hayes and seems to be a perfect foil for Wanderers’ talisman as Blues have rediscovered their attacking swagger in recent weeks.

Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth said: “Hayesy got his goal he’s fantastic and he really does add something to us. We do miss Hayesy when he’s not there but then we’ve got all these other boys running, working hard and backing him up.

“From Matt Ingram’s fantastic save late on to everyone’s tackling, heading and just the fitness we showed with ten men I felt was outstanding. I’m really proud and pleased.”