Town goalscorer Ellis Harrison says the Blues are now playing with no fear under new boss Paul Lambert. The 24-year-old netted his first competitive goal since joining the club from Bristol Rovers in the summer in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Sheffield United.
"He’s improved everyone’s game," Harrison said regarding boss Lambert, who took charge towards the end of October following Paul Hurst's sacking.
"He’s said to us ‘don’t go out there and be scared’ and that’s what everyone’s doing.
"We’re going out there, getting on the ball and making angles for each other. Before, we didn’t really have that and were shy on the ball.
"Now, even the keepers are getting on it and passing out, which is great to see. We’ve gone two games unbeaten and hopefully we can carry that on.
"We’re always confident and the gaffer tells us to go out there with no fear which, as you can see from the sidelines, is how we played. Before we weren't scared but didn’t play with freedom.”
The former Wales U21 international, who was signed from the Pirates for £750,000 by ex-boss Hurst, was making his first start since September, having come on as a sub in the games against Bristol City and Stoke.
The 24-year-old, whose only previous Portman Road goal was in the pre-season friendly against West Ham, started the campaign in Hurst’s team.
But having failed to find the net he dropped out of the side and then suffered an ankle injury in training shortly after returning to the XI in the 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Reflecting on his season up to now, he added: "I got off to an okay start but then dropped off a little and didn’t play as well as I did against West Ham because I was trying too hard.
"When the injury happened I was devastated because I just didn’t want to be on the sidelines, knowing the position we're in. Then a new manager’s come in and I’ve got a new lease of life.
"We need goals, there’s no hiding away from it, and if I can chip in to get us points then great.
"I’m just enjoying my football and it's a relief, because I’ve been out for ten weeks and am looking to prove myself under a new manager to get in the team.
"As long as we get the three points, though, I’m not too bothered if I score. Competition is there and it’s healthy. There’s no bitterness and we all go out together and enjoy each other’s company.
"When anyone is playing it’s always ‘come on, come on, come on’ and they’re the same as well.”
Turning to Saturday’s match, the Newport-born frontman continued: "It was a great point which we deserved. I'd take that against them because they're an unbelievably good team.
"The Championship is very tough. I’ve played in the National League, League One and League Two and they are tough in different ways, but the Championship is unbelievably hard.
"It’s quicker, people are stronger and more clever. No disrespect to those leagues but I’ve had to come in and adapt to that. Hopefully I can set my mark in the next few games.
"I don’t want to jump the gun after one goal because I have to keep working hard and keep learning to become a good Championship player. Ipswich have had good strikers and hopefully I can become one of them.”
The Blues, now four points plus goal difference from safety, are back in action on Boxing Day at QPR, who are 10th having won 1-0 at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a game which will be show live on Sky Sports via the red button and on iFollow Ipswich.