Lee Martin has admitted fans’ criticism bothers him but regards the views of manager Mick McCarthy and his colleagues as far more important.
Martin has failed to find the net in 33 appearances this season and his overall record of six goals in 102 outings shows he has been far from prolific in almost four years at Portman Road.
He is aware that a section of the supporters have targeted him in recent weeks, stating: "Listen, I’m not stupid. You hear things but you just get on with it.
"I’ve got broad shoulders and I’ve heard it all before. It’s the same fans who were praising me when things were going right and that’s football.
"I’m trying my hardest, that’s all I can say, but obviously I know I can do better. I still haven’t got a goal this season but at least I’m giving it my all and I keep working on things.
"I know what I’m capable of and I’m sure the goals will come. I think people have seen a different side of me because I’m having to do a bit more defending.
"If you ask the gaffer he has been pleased with me, regardless of whether or not the fans want to get on my back. I’m getting praise off the gaffer and my team-mates, most importantly, and that’s the main thing for me.
"It bothers me and it would bother anyone but I’m working hard and trying to get it right. I’ve been unlucky, certainly for the first part of the season, and you lose confidence. The main thing is that I’m trying and I’ve never thrown the towel in.
"I’m always looking to try and do something to affect the game. Maybe the fans want me to score goals and other things but as long as I’m pleasing the manager and the players around me, that’s the main thing for me.
"If I’m getting the sort of praise I am off these sort of people that’s the sort of thing I want to hear. We’re all in it together and we’re all working our socks off.
"I don’t go out not wanting to score goals. It’s a little blip that I’m having but if I can affect the game by working hard then so be it. If I didn’t score the goals and I was just walking about then I wouldn’t be helpful — but I’m always trying to affect the game.”