New goalkeeper Alex McCarthy does not believe his move to Ipswich has plunged him into a survival fight.

The Championship table may not make pleasant reading right now, with Town hovering just three places and points above the relegation zone.

But the England U21 international, who has arrived on a three-month loan from Reading and is likely to make his debut at Birmingham tonight, is adamant things are set to improve.

McCarthy, 22, said: “I wouldn’t say Ipswich are in a relegation battle. There is still a long way to go in the season and I think results will improve.

“I am surprised to see how low they are in the table. I haven’t seen the games but I think it is only a matter of time before that changes.

“Results will get better and we will start to make our way back up the table to where Ipswich should be, around the play-offs.”

McCarthy’s move to Portman Road has seen him reunited with his former Reading colleague, central defender Ibrahima Sonko.

He added: “I’ve played behind Sonks before. I know his game and he knows mine. You can’t put a time on how long it takes for a keeper and a back four to gel but I don’t see it taking any longer than a couple of games.”

Unlike long-term transfer target Sean St Ledger, who sought assurances about Paul Jewell’s future before confirming his interest in a move from Leicester, the Royals’ keeper admitted: “That didn’t go through my mind at all.

“Obviously, results haven’t been going that great but I really believe it’s only a matter of time before that changes.

“He’s a great manager, everybody knows what he is capable of and time will tell.”

Photo: Action Images

liamyboy11 added 12:28 - Jan 12 now we are you idiot jewell
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