Midfielder Matt Richards says he is ignoring the section of the Portman Road crowd which has been getting on his back in recent games. The 21-year-old was booed when replaced against Southampton a fortnight ago.

The academy product said: "Obviously it wasn't a very nice thing to happen but I didn't let it bother me or affect the way I play.

"I'm not that kind of person and just wanted to get on with things as normal. I wasn't having the best of games [against Southampton] but still didn't feel I deserved that kind of treatment."

Meanwhile, two-goal striker Alan Lee says that Town's success in recent weeks is down to the excellent relationship between the players: "The team spirit is great. This is a family club with a nice atmosphere and the lads get on particularly well. Everyone seems to fit in and there's no odd one out in the dressing room."

Lee isn't surprised it has taken him a few games to get to top form: "I came back a bit early, so it was always going to take time to get my fitness and be at my best in games. I've heard what the manager has said about me not being the best of trainers but I totally disagree with him!

"But seriously, if I'm not 100 per cent fit and working at full tempo, it's hard for me to keep the weight off. The way I play, I need all my strength."

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