The odds may appear to be stacked against Town making the play-offs for a second successive season — but David McGoldrick is refusing to write off their chances.
McGoldrick, whose substitute appearances against Wolves and Charlton in the past week marked his return from a long-term hamstring injury, said: "We’ve lost a few points recently but we’re still in with a shout.
"We still have to play Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Derby, and if they slip up over the next few games, while we start getting results, it could still be interesting.
"None of the boys are ready to write off the season yet and no one’s booking holidays or anything like that. It’s a must-win game against Brentford on Saturday — the boss and the players are all saying it — so we need to go out there and get the points.”
McGoldrick’s comeback, together with that of young midfielder Teddy Bishop, increased the mood of expectancy among supporters and even with eighth-placed Town seven points adrift of the top six with 18 points left to play for he is far from ready to concede anything.
He added: "I’ve had that ever since I’ve been here, a little bit of pressure on me to go out and produce the goods, but I like it.
"I’ve got a good relationship with the fans. When I’m warming up I hear them shouting my name and when I came off the bench the other night I heard a great roar.
"I really appreciate their backing and for sticking with me during all the time I’ve been out, and I will deliver the goods when I get the chance.
"In the first half at Wolves on Saturday I could hear our fans on the far side of the ground chanting my name — it was good to hear they hadn’t forgotten me and I’m grateful for their support.”
McGoldrick was asked about his latest period of rehabilitation in what has been an injury-dogged time at Portman Road and he said: "I’ve not been doing anything different. I’ve got kids and there’s been no time for anything else. I’ve been spending a lot of time with Teddy Bishop.
"Teddy’s had a few ups and down with his injury so I’ve been putting my arm round him. I get on very well with Teddy. He’s a good lad and it’s great to see him back as well. I was even driving him around to different places as part of his rehab.
"My own injuries have been tough. I had a thigh injury last season, my second with Ipswich, and I was thinking ‘Right, get through this season [2015/16] and hopefully get some games’.
"But then some stupid injury happened and kept me out. But, you know, I’m still breathing and my kids are healthy, so I can’t complain.
"When you look at the news on the TV, and see all the stuff that’s going off in the world these days, an injury is nothing to moan about. You’ve got to put it in perspective. I’m more than fortunate when you consider what I’ve done in my career.
"I’m not one to be all negative about everything because I know I’m very fortunate and that a lot of people would snap their hand off to be in my position.”