Boss Mick McCarthy believes play-off-chasing sides such as Town are still battling for just one remaining place in the top six.

The Blues manager had been convinced that QPR, Derby and Nottingham Forest had sealed their places in the play-offs and that sixth spot was all that was still to be filled.

However, Forest, who drew 1-1 with Town at Portman Road last Saturday, have failed to win in their last nine league games and have dropped to seventh and are now only goal difference ahead of the Blues in eighth.

Meanwhile, Wigan played the games they had in hand following their Europa League campaign and have taken Forest’s place in what looks like a settled top five.

Reading are currently sixth, while Brighton, AFC Bournemouth, Town's Saturday opponents Blackburn and Watford are the other sides out to usurp them in 2013/14's final weeks.

“I said that we’d never catch Nottingham Forest and I still can’t believe that we have gained 10 points on them in the short time that we have,” McCarthy said.

“I still think there’s one slot to be played for, sixth. But the ones who are in the top six, it’s a bit gruelling for them.

“Alex Ferguson said it’s ‘squeaky bum time’ and that’s what it is because you don’t want to drop out of the top six.

“We’re just playing catch-up and all we can do is keep trying to win our games. If we win them all and they win them all we don’t get in the top six, so you just keep playing.

“But if you’re in the top six there’s a huge pressure not to drop out. The thought of missing out on the play-offs if you’ve been there all the time is a real stress.”

He says the pressure he’s under isn’t the same as it was a year ago when the Blues were battling at the other end of the table: “Considerably different. The thought of having a chance of getting in the play-offs and getting in the Premier League isn’t pressure for me.

“The thought of dropping out of the bottom end of this league was an awful pressure from November 1st. Thankfully we’ve avoided that and we’re now looking at the other end of the league. I’m not feeling stressed or under any pressure.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss wouldn’t comment on Bolton manager Dougie Freedman revealing that Town made an approach for Chris Eagles last week: “I wouldn’t confirm or deny whether I did.”

Photo: Action Images

stevelincsexile added 06:50 - Apr 4 It's squeaky bum times for us fans, it's been a long time since I've been on a high like this but if I could pick any of the managers in the teams fighting for this one spot it would be MM to get us their. COYB
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muccletonjoe added 07:36 - Apr 4 I don't think its sqeeky bum time , because not many expected us to be there in the first place. I don't think we will make it but that is just my opinion. If we do then its one hell of a bonus and any thing can happen in those play off games.
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Ipswichlove added 07:37 - Apr 4 I love it how MM just speaks the truth and dosent say stuff that won't happen...
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Lathers added 10:26 - Apr 4 I think we should all be relaxed. It would be a real bonus if we get in the top 6 this season and therefore we don't have the same pressures as Reading, Wigan, Forest etc. It won't be a disaster if we don't make it this season, but the improvement we've shown under MM in the last year gives us real hope for next season. I think with McGoldrick we might just have had a chance, but all in all it's been a brilliant season.

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essextractorboy93 added 10:57 - Apr 4 I think Wigan still aren't secure in the play offs yet and we have to keep an eye out for Bournemouth too who are on an incredible run
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