George Burley has called for fans to be patient and to get behind his side on Thursday when the Blues play Helsingborgs IF at Portman Road. Another poor result on Saturday has increased tension on the terraces.

Burley said: "They are a side that we expect to be very cautious with just one man up front and I think there will be a need for great patience all round. I'm sure our crowd will appreciate that and my players will be well aware of the necessity for total concentration. Helsingborgs are a strong side and they have virtually the same line-up that beat Inter Milan last season in the Champions' League."

The Swedes have been watched by Burley and his staff, Burley again: "We've had them watched twice. I saw them last week and a scout saw them in action yesterday. It would be great if we could open them up early on and there will be every effort to do that."

Helsingborgs lost 1-0 to relegation candidates Norrkoping on Sunday and were booed off by their fans. Their Swedish championship bid is now over.

Burley hopes that Town's support will get well and truly behind the side: "I'm sure the crowd will give us great backing again and hopefully we can make a good start to the tie in the first leg."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls