Dean Gerken admits his delight at keeping a clean sheet was tempered with the disappointment of not being able to overcome Huddersfield at Portman Road on Saturday.

The goalless draw extended a frustrating run for Mick McCarthy and his players as they head for Hull this evening desperate to land all three points courtesy of what would be only their second win in eight league games.

Gerken admitted: "Before the game we were looking at it and we wanted the three points. If it's any other scenario, 0-0 and a clean sheet, you're going to be happy with from a defensive point of view, but we were disappointed we didn't get all three points.

"We needed the clean sheet because confidence has been low on that side of things. Everyone pulled their weight on Saturday - we showed what we can do and we were solid but we just couldn't get that final goal that we wanted to get. Never mind, we'll take the 0-0 draw.

"We got the rub of the green when Bez [Christophe Berra] got the ball off the line when Nahki Wells came through but these sorts of things hadn't been happening for us in the previous couple of weeks.

"But if the luck was on our side on Saturday it was still a thoroughly deserved clean sheet.

"It's tough all the time and the pressure is on whether you're winning, losing or drawing.

"But we've got a strong group of experienced players and we're in our little bubble so no one has been affected as such, it's been alright.”

Asked if he understood the fans' frustration at the moment, Gerken responded: "Absolutely. Last year we were flying and this year's it's been a bit more difficult.

“We've had some unlucky breaks with injuries and stuff like that but we're here to win games and we haven't been doing it as frequently as we were last year.

"We're planning on improving and everyone knows the situation - we want to finish as high up the league as we can and we're not doing it at the moment.”

Asked what his message to Town supporters would be, the keeper answered: “I don't know what you want me to say about it.

"At the end of the day we've got a good team, not a lot has changed from last year and things will be put right. I've no worries about that at all.

"Every day we come into training we are trying to improve and we're not going up to Hull trying not to improve.

"We are trying to win games and after getting a clean sheet on Saturday we have a massive game at Hull and another game at Nottingham Forest this weekend. We want to go and pick up points."

Photo: Action Images

Penguinblue added 09:46 - Oct 20 It is nothing personal Mr Gerkin, I would not boo you and would applaud any good save, but sadly you are not the best goalkeeper at ITFC and were MM not the manager you would not get a starting place. But best wishes for every performance when you line up with Chambers, Douglas etc - your 'gaffers' other blind favorites.
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PeteTheTractor added 12:09 - Oct 20 Even Barts beard was better!
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