Defender Adam Webster believes Town can ill afford to dwell on the disappointment of losing to fierce rivals Norwich at Portman Road on Sunday.
The Canaries’ 1-0 win extended their unbeaten run in East Anglian derby clashes to nine games — six wins and three draws — as fit-again Webster made his first league start since January after recovering from a recurring ankle injury.
The ex-Portsmouth defender, who was signed in June 2016, said: "We were gutted with the result. We thought we definitely deserved more. We had some good chances and played well. We switched off for a moment and they capitalised on it, which is the frustrating thing for us.
"Obviously, the derby is a massive game for the fans and the club. It’s one they look out for when the fixtures are released. It was a packed Portman Road so it was a good atmosphere and that’s why we’re disappointed. But we’ve got to put that behind us now and look forward.”
Webster insisted spirits remain high among the management and playing squad, despite Town being on a depressing run of form that has seen them lose seven of their last nine outings in all competitions, a far cry from the form in which they opened the campaign and registered five successive wins.
Town have lost by the odd goal to Leeds, Sheffield United and Norwich, and 22-year-old Webster added: "On our day we feel we can beat anyone. It’s just fine margins in these games and we’ve got to try and improve, taking that into the games against the teams in and around the top, because that’s where we want to be. We need to be beating these teams to move on.
"We have a tough week coming up with two away games against Burton and Cardiff, and Norwich is behind us. You can’t dwell on it for too long. We’ve had a good week’s training and we’ll be ready for Saturday.”
While recent results have been disappointing, Webster is at least happy to be back playing again. He added: "I feel better and I feel fitter. I played three U23 games, which obviously helped in terms of giving me minutes, but it’s not the same as playing Championship football. I definitely felt a lot fitter on Sunday and I’m only going to get fitter with each game.”
Webster made an impressive start to life as an Ipswich player last season, to the extent that he was on the radar of several top-flight clubs and manager Mick McCarthy was hailing him as a Premier League player of the not too distant future.
But he agreed he still has to prove himself as a Championship defender and added: "I think everyone has. You can’t rest on your laurels and I’ll be looking to improve each and every time I step out on the pitch.
"We were all very disappointed with the result against Norwich but we have to move on. It can be 24 or 48 hours after the game and you’re still thinking about it but you have to come in and train and look forward to the next game, which is Burton.
"It’s a big game and spirits are still quite high. We’re creating chances, which is the main thing. If we weren’t creating chances then I think we’d be a bit more worried.
"Obviously, we can play better but the performances haven’t been bad and we’ve just got to go to Burton on Saturday and try and play well again.”