Luke Varney admits the pressure is on Town to capture a play-off place but insists that the players can not only cope but deliver.

The on-loan Blackburn striker said: “We have put a lot of the pressure and responsibility on ourselves after Monday’s defeat at Huddersfield.

"I think maybe we thought that Huddersfield might be a bit of an easy one after two tough games against Watford and Bournemouth. We might have taken our foot off the pedal and that can’t be the case on Saturday.

“Blackpool have obviously been relegated and have nothing to play for but I think that makes them a dangerous team. I’ve been in teams like that and we’ve won big games so it’s still a tough task.

“But we’re at home and that will give us a bit more impetus. The fans will be right behind us and it really is a massive game for us. The home form has been great so if we can continue that I’m sure we’ll be okay.

“Pressure-wise it might help that I’ve not been here for too long. I feel like I’m still trying to impress people and do it for myself as well. It’s a good thing for me to be involved in and I’m just trying to do my best for the team. I must admit all the lads are really looking forward to it.

“We’re desperate to be successful. The club have worked so hard all year — not just the players but the staff and the fans well — and it has been a great effort by everyone.

“When it comes to pressure there are people dealing with far, far worse in their everyday lives and all we want is to put things right for everybody connected with Ipswich.”

With a three-point gap separating Town from sixth-placed Wolves, Varney sees the home games against Blackpool and Cardiff as an opportunity to collect all six points before heading for Molineux on Saturday week.

He added: “If things don’t go according to plan in the next two games it could mean the end of our play-off chances. I suppose it all depends on the other results but we’re just looking at our own games.

“Blackpool and Cardiff are massive games for us and I feel six points is a must. If it’s not we’ll move on again but we’ll need to see how other results pan out.”

Meanwhile, Varney has reflected on how he came into the game late. He was 20 before Crewe plucked him from non-league Quorn in his native Leicestershire and he quit his job as a quality controller in a fabrics factory.

He smiled: “The reason I’ve worked as hard as I have is because I didn’t want to go back to what I was doing. I think I’ve benefited from seeing what life is like on the other side.

“I’m enjoying my time as a footballer and I’m looking forward to getting as many years out of it as I can. I feel good and hopefully this will be a good part of my career as well at Ipswich.

“Before Crewe signed me I was thinking I might play in the Conference and earn a bit of cash in hand, and apart from that stay in my factory job with my friends, to be honest.

“Everything is a bonus for me and I constantly say to myself that if it finished tomorrow I could still hold my head high and be proud of what I have achieved. But I don’t feel as if I’m finished yet. I feel like I’m in a good place and that hopefully there is a lot more to come.

Photo: Action Images

bluefeast added 07:40 - Apr 10 Hes a really good bloke ,a normal bloke , clearly with a great work ethic ,he's been a decent signing.
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blueblood66 added 08:45 - Apr 10 He has won me over with his commitment, and willingness to engage with supporters
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Keaneish added 13:34 - Apr 10 I hate to read of any 'taking the foot off the pedal' mentality given we have 5 games left and our biggest opportunity in 10 years or so. It's now out of our hands as a result...
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Seasider added 17:54 - Apr 10 I agree f lashing advert most distracting Phil.Realise you have to make a living but don't want too many of these as off putting.
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