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Joe Impressed With Naylor - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Joe Royle named Richard Naylor as his man of the match after the recently converted central defender again impressed in his new position.

Royle was particularly pleased with the win at Hillsborough given the number of injuries amongst his senior players: "It was terrific in the circumstances because we had four regulars missing after Tommy Miller joined John McGreal, Chris Makin and Darren Ambrose on the sidelines.

"It could have been a little more comfortable, but I'll settle for 1-0. We had a little too much for them."

The Town manager was pleased with Richard Naylor and Matt Holland in particular: "I thought Richard Naylor was outstanding in only his second full game as a centre-half. He was the man of the match for me.

"Matt was lined up to play at centre-back until Tommy Miller was forced to pull out.

"He was up there just behind Naylor in my opinion.

"He really is captain fantastic. He's played left centre-back, right centre-back and central midfield - if we played him in goal we'd get a game from Matt.

"He's not a jack of all trades, he's a master of all and I'm just pleased he's here."

Royle still believes his side can make the play-offs: "There's going to be twists and turns before the end, believe me. If we win all nine remaining games we'll go into the play-offs and that's the only way we can look at it."

Sheffield Wednesday manager Chris Turner said that Town were the better side in front of goal: "The difference was in the final third.

"I thought we started the game well. But we huffed and puffed and didn't have what you need in the final third what's going to get you a goal against a good side.

"We had enough opportunities in the game to go and do something but the difference was most evident. We haven't got the player up front who'll bang the goals in.

"I couldn't fault the players for their efforts. We've now got to remain positive and strong until the bitter end."

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