x

Nouble: Play-Off Place Possible - Ipswich Town News

In-form striker Frank Nouble believes Town have a realistic chance of clinching a place in the Championship play-offs this season.

Nouble has netted twice in the last four games, three of which ended in victory, and he is convinced that he and his team-mates can carry on improving over what remains of the current campaign.

A substitute in the matches against Blackpool, Leicester and Charlton, he started Tuesday’s home clash with Blackburn and put the seal on his side’s 3-1 win with an 86th minute goal.

Nouble said: "It was brilliant to win on Tuesday and it didn’t matter how it came. We’d have taken 1-0 and it was good to get two wins on the bounce.

"We knew we had a lot of ‘local’ games in the week, with Charlton not being too far away and then the two at home after that. You always feel happier when you are closer to home for some reason, I don’t know why.”

Victory over Blackburn nudged Town to within two points of the top six, although the gap was extended to five the following night as a result of Derby’s home win over Middlesbrough.

Nouble added: "We’ve been close before and maybe, after taking a step forward, we then took two back. But we’re going in the right direction at the moment and hopefully we will get even closer on Saturday by beating Huddersfield.

"We’re winning and the momentum is with us, and although Huddersfield will provide us with another tough test we are looking confident right now.

"The play-offs are very realistic, I would say. I haven’t really seen any team this season that I would describe as outstanding. There are teams on good runs and I would say Leicester are probably the best team we have played all season.

"Any team finishing above them will do really well this year. QPR, Reading, they’ve got good players, but no one’s really firing and if we can put a good run of results together we will be alright.”

Town’s chances have been boosted by the recent loan signing of Aston Villa winger Jordan Graham, although the 18-year-old is still waiting to make his first appearance for the club.

Nouble said: "Jordan’s a good player, very sharp with two good feet. He loves to take people on and we haven’t got many players in the team who want to do that.

"He’s a really good addition to the squad and hopefully he can make his debut — even if it’s coming on — on Saturday because he looks to be a really exciting player.

"It’s not that we are lacking creativity in the team but it’s always good to have more. You don’t just want the strikers scoring but also wingers chipping and midfielders too, like Luke Hyam with his first goal of the year on Tuesday. Hopefully that can continue.”

What to read next:

McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look Great
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
Palmer: It's Been a Really Successful Pre-Season
Town goalkeeper Alex Palmer has reflected on a successful pre-season campaign following the Blues’ 3-0 friendly victory over AJ Auxerre at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and Cajuste
Town boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
McKenna: We'll See How Broadhead Situation Pans Out
Manager Kieran McKenna says the Blues will “see how the situation plays out” regarding Wrexham’s interest in forward Nathan Broadhead.
McKenna: Hutchinson Not Mentally in Right Place For France Trip
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Brentford target Omari Hutchinson “didn’t feel mentally in the right place” to travel with the squad for this evening’s friendly against Auxerre in France.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Goals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.
Hutchinson and Davis Miss Out at Auxerre
Omari Hutchinson and Leif Davis are absent from the Blues squad facing AJ Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly this evening (KO 6pm local time, 5pm BST).
Hackney Turns Down Town Move
Blues target Hayden Hackney is reported to have turned down the chance to join Town from Middlesbrough.
Blues 'Closing in On' Cajuste Return
Former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste is closing in on a return to the Blues, according to reports in Italy.