Loanee winger Ainsley Maitland-Niles says sticking together and working hard will be the key to ending the Blues’ winless run.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Cardiff at Portman Road - Town’s second successive home stalemate - was the Blues’ seventh Championship game without a win, while they’ve failed to win any of their last five home games, drawing the last four. They have scored just once in their last five games.

"It is getting frustrating for all the players and the gaffer but we will keep plugging away and we will get our three points eventually,” Maitland-Niles said.

"It is about working hard for the whole 90 minutes. There were plenty of chances to win this game, we could have won 3-0, or it could have been 2-2.

"I don't know what the answer is. It is just a case of everyone keep trying and something will come off.

"It is a case of sticking together, working hard and when that one chance comes along we have to take it.”

He added: ”The fans should keep backing us and keep believing and we will get those three points."

Maitland-Niles, who is on loan with the Blues from Arsenal for the season and has so far made 11 starts and three sub appearances, says he’s getting used to life in the Championship.

"I found it tough at first, still do really," he admitted. "But it is a case of working and developing and helping the team.

"I have learned a lot here. I feel I have fitted in and have been made welcome.”

The England U19 international believes he has become a better player since joining Town: "The area I have improved most is probably my heading. It was not my strongest point.

"I have been told to get the ball down, play with freedom and try and score goals for the team.

"Things like tracking back are really important, the one moment you switch off then you're in trouble.

"I speak with people from Arsenal all the time. They come to the games and I have been told to keep on playing, stay in the squad and work hard and the manager will know about what I'm doing.”

The 18-year-old has been keeping a close eye on his parent club’s progress this season. The Gunners, who are currently second in the Premier League behind Manchester City on goal difference, made it five league wins on the trot by winning 3-0 away at Swansea on Saturday.

"We could take notes out of their book, they are doing really well,” he said.

"But this is Ipswich and we have to play the way Ipswich do. I'm enjoying playing here and will play whatever style I have to as long as I'm on the pitch. I'm enjoying watching how Arsenal are doing.”

Photo: Action Images

Kirbmeister added 12:45 - Nov 2 This is just a young boy on loan finding his way being interviewed. What's he supposed to say in interview in order to not attract all the negative comments?
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FarringdonBlue added 12:58 - Nov 2 I think we've been severely effected this year by the lack of any FUN in the camp. Having someone like Stephen Hunt around does wonders for team moral and it seems just at the moment we are desperately lacking in not only this, but ALL areas!!
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runningout added 13:02 - Nov 2 lacking professionalism not fun...
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blueherts added 13:15 - Nov 2 Wenger to Bould - 'we need young Niles to develop his neck muscles' Bould 'let me give my mate Mick a call' 'Hey presto Niles is heading the ball for fun - I wouldnt mind if it was in the six yard box but it would normally be from a Chambers hoof down the line , trying to keep the ball in That is a very funny comment - and as others have said - really does say alot ... Maybe we should have at CB to clear set pieces

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bostonusablue added 13:16 - Nov 2 If we do not beat Bolton then MM has to go. Simple as that. Our performances are awful; we can't score, we can't defend and we can't win. Fans are staying away in droves because of the terrible style of football we play. I'm afraid that MM will not adopt a new style of play to suit today's modern game. He is inept in what talent he has; one dimensional springs to mind. Just look at how Brighton tore us apart this season; they were a joy to watch and they didn't spend a ton on players either. Oh how I wish we played like that. I wouldn't trust MM with any transfer funds because no matter what type of player he brings in his teams will always play the same way. I've never wanted Town to lose before, but I hope Bolton win tomorrow and that results in MM leaving our club. This is the only way, in my opinion, that we can move forwards.

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rinkydinkpanther added 13:34 - Nov 2 Yeah, his heading's bloody improved! It has to when that's the only way you can hope to do anything with a 'pass' falling at you from a height of 50-100 feet!
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blueherts added 15:17 - Nov 2 Easy Boston - Should never want us to lose - I just crave a decent performance and a convincing win .. When was the last time we actually took on a team at home and ripped em apart ... 3 or 4 -0 ?? Ok , I will 'accept'1-0 ... a 90th minute og or a deflection off Smiths Ear at this time but what we all want is a home match where we actually play like the HOME team and take the game to the opposition - Play to win as opposed play to 'not lose'

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Seasider added 16:15 - Nov 2 blueherts.Have only done this once in three years since McCarthy took over. Ironically it was when Mick was ill and TC had control of team for a few days. We beat Middlesbrough 4.0 a couple of years ago with 2 goals from Tommy Smith,and one apiece from David McGoldrick and Aaron McClean who was on loan at the time.
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Seasider added 16:21 - Nov 2 Coming back to Maitland-Niles interview,notice he said that he has been told to get the ball down and play with freedom,also try and score goals. This is the kind of thing I could imagine Arsene Wenger saying;but think he means MM as goes on to say about tracking back,and mentions adapting to a different style. Pity Mick doesn't say this to one or two of the 'hoofers'
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bohslegend added 16:37 - Nov 2 @bostonusablue "I've never wanted Town to lose before, but I hope Bolton win tomorrow and that results in MM leaving our club. This is the only way, in my opinion, that we can move forwards" And there we have it. The clear definition of what is known as a "Realist" on this site.
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