Manager Mick McCarthy was pleased to keep up his unbeaten home record despite the under par performance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bristol City. The Blues boss, who has led his side to three wins and two draws at Portman Road since taking over as manager at the start of last month, believes Town’s home form will be key to what he still views as a fight to avoid relegation.
McCarthy said: "Let’s stay unbeaten [at home]. We were never going keep winning and they got a goal and had something to hang on to.
"I was pleased with the response and I think we’ve had plenty of chances in the game as well. But home form is going to be vital to us.”
The Town boss is looking for an improvement in the games against Charlton, his old club Wolves and Brighton between now and New Year’s Day: "It’s a hectic old time, so we try and keep them fit and try and get better performances than that.
"I’ve never done anything other than look over my shoulder. The results we’ve had in the last two weeks and those of the others around us have not changed my view on it.
"I was asked whether it was still May 4th [I’m focusing on] and I said that it still is, to be safe and secure.
"We’ve had a good run but then I’ve also seen it with teams where a new manager comes in, they have a good run and everything’s shiny and new. Then, can they maintain that level? We’ll see.”
In terms of Boxing Day’s away game against Charlton (KO 1pm), McCarthy was planning to start his preparations today with the squad training on Christmas Day: "I haven’t looked at them at all, I’ll be doing that on Monday morning.”
Striker Daryl Murphy suffered a knee injury against the Robins before being replaced by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in the second half, but McCarthy was hopeful that the Irishman would be OK for the trip to the Valley.