Ipswich new boy Paul Green still believes he is on target to complete his incredible journey from non-league to the Premier League.
Yorkshire-born Green, 30, joined Doncaster after being released by Sheffield Wednesday at the age of 16 and won promotion on three occasions as Rovers climbed towards the top flight.
He was also at Derby under ex-Town boss Paul Jewell and now that he is on loan Leeds until the end of the season he is clearly relishing the challenge of securing Town a play-off berth.
The experienced Republic of Ireland midfielder, who made his debut as a substitute in last week’s 2-2 draw at Barnsley, said: "I’ve played in every league from the Conference to the Championship, and also international football, so it would be nice to have a taste of Premiership football.
"It would be great if we could get that this year and I believe we have a good chance. We just have to keep going, picking up points and starting with Saturday.”
Green could make his home debut against struggling Blackpool as eighth-placed Town look to close the gap on Reading, who are two places and three points better off.
He believes he knows the recipe for promotion, adding: "A lot of it is to do with team spirit. When you’ve got a good dressing room and everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet it takes you a long way. It seems a very well organised group here and Mick knows how to get out of this league as well, so that’s good experience.
"With the team here there’s a lot of confidence in the changing room and when you add the organisation that’s massive. Everyone works hard for each other and that’s also a big thing, so I really do think this team has a big chance.
"There are 16 games to go and a lot of points to play for. We’ve got to just keep chasing the pack and I reckon we’ve got a great chance. We’re in a good position at the moment and hopefully we will pick up three more points on Saturday to close the gap.
"Leicester are running away with it and it is going to be hard to catch the top two or three but there are some play-off spots to be had and if we can get on a good run now we can get in there hopefully.”
Green echoed the sentiments of his team-mates in confirming manager Mick McCarthy was one of the main reasons behind his decision to join up at Portman Road.
He said: "Mick got Sunderland and Wolves promoted, so he is renowned for getting teams into the Premier League. That was a big factor in my decision. You know what you are going to get from Mick’s team — they are strong and organised, so hopefully Ipswich will go the same way.
"In the Championship anyone can beat each other and you’ve just got to have that consistency. Leicester and Burnley are doing that at the moment and they have set a good pace. But we just have to get on a run, which I think we can do.”
Meanwhile, former Blue Josh Carson has extended his contract with League Two York City until the summer of 2015. The 20-year-old joined the Minstermen following his Town exit earlier in the season.
Photo: ITFC