Midfielder Jonathan Douglas was pleased to score his second goal in two games and with Town’s performance but was disappointed that Wolves were twice allowed to come from behind to draw 2-2 at Portman Road on Saturday.

Douglas, who celebrated his 34th birthday yesterday, says there were plenty of positives to take from Saturday’s game, despite the Blues not recording what would have been a deserved third successive victory.

“It is disappointing to drop more points at home but our performance was good as they have been in the past three games,” he said. “It’s something we can build on and look to get all three points in future.

Douglas, who joined the Blues on a free transfer from Brentford in the summer and has now made 14 starts and three sub appearances, scored his first Town goal in the 5-2 win at Rotherham before the international break and was delighted to open his home account on Saturday.

“I have more licence to get into the box so the goals are adding up so I’m pleased about that but disappointed we didn’t get all three points,” he added.

“There is improvement, and more to come. We had new players come in at the beginning of the season and they needed time to gel with those who have been here two or three years.

“We have shown improvement in the past three games and you can see everyone is now singing of the same hymn sheet. We are definitely moving forward.”

Douglas believes he has a growing understanding with his central midfield partner: “My partnership with Cole Skuse is also getting better. The whole way we play is different to what I have been playing for five years or so previously at Brentford.

“People like Cole have proven quality so it was always down to me to cope with playing in different positions with different players and I’m enjoying it.

“I have enjoyed it since the moment I came to the club but I needed to get more goals to take the pressure off the front lads.”

With that in mind, he says manager Mick McCarthy has encouraged him to get forward more in recent weeks.

“I had a meeting with the gaffer about three weeks ago and he told me to do my best to get in the box more without being gung-ho and leaving gaps, we still had to be solid,” the Irishman continued.

“It’s a pleasure working with Skuse, he is one of the best midfielders I have ever played with.

“Because we were playing with four midfielders, and I was used to five so I could get forward more, it took a while to adapt.

“But the gaffer gave me licence to get in the box more and to basically be a nuisance. I enjoy being a nuisance, especially when I score goals.”

Photo: Action Images

Flewitt85 added 07:16 - Nov 23 Positive interview from Douglas, he got alot of stick at the beginning from fans (including me) but he could turn out to be a good signing from MM.
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BrettenhamBlue added 08:19 - Nov 23 Think Douglas is a very good signing and will get 10 goals from midfield for ITFC this season. I don't rate Coke though and think MCDonnell should replace him in the first team squad. I would love to hear what Douglas thinks of our defence. We do still seem to be a bit lightweight at the back. Wing backs (Knudsen and Chambers) are beaten a bit too often and Smith is often caught out by long balls over his head. I am still not certain about our Keeper options either. Emmanuel and Kenlock? don't appear to be the answer. I am still uncertain why Parr isn't an automatic choice in defence. 6th is still within our clasp, but we need a new cd/rb and a keeper in Jan.

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DurhamTownFan added 08:58 - Nov 23 I like the bit where he says it took him a while to adapt to our different way of playing (bear in mind Brentford were known for their short-passing game last year!)
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ArnieM added 09:17 - Nov 23 Douglas, a quality player for nothing (again). Will quite likely score up to 10 goals from midfield for us, but according to many on here, he's crap. Probably the same people that state every goal is Gerkins fault.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 11:20 - Nov 23 This chap may be revealing quite a bit about what was going wrong a few weeks ago. I thought he was awful in a couple of games, 1-5 v Reading especially. But I also thought the body language of Pitman wasn't completely positive and wondered if each were mourning for their former clubs. Mialzcyk too possibly. But like he says it can take time and like them or not a lot of players came in to an already happy squad. Remember 2001? You don't suddenly become a crap player. These guys have class. If as most people say MM played the right players in the right places we could just scrape 6th again. But only if. And no more than 6th.

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Geoff added 11:33 - Nov 23 Once again our defence let us down and that Mickey mouse keeper what other manager would persevere with that if he was serious about promotion.
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TR11BLU added 11:34 - Nov 23 He definitely seems to be adapting to our 'style of play' and has played well since (and inncluding) the Hull game. Two good goals recently will boost his cionfidence and I agree with above posts that he can easly get ten this season. We would likely have made the top two last season with a midfielder reaching double figures. Cant remember any of ours reaching double fingers!

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Penguinblue added 12:10 - Nov 23 Both full backs inadequate, second best keeper, no room for both Skuse and Douglas though I accept either one on their own is fine (only explanation for having them both is that our defence is so poor we need two more defensive midfielders in front of them - and of course MM's negative tactics). Best player, Sears, played out of position. Sounds familiar. MM has taken Town as far as he ever could - not that far really, we were in a false position when he arrived due to previous mismanagement. Hurry up and get booked next week Chambers so we are at least spared MMs favourite for a game.

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Fatboy added 12:40 - Nov 23 It's good to hear that MM has given Douglas licence to get forward more. I rate both Skuse and Douglas, but playing both of them has given our midfield a defensive look. It will be interesting to see what happens once Bishop is fit again.
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oldelsworthyfan added 12:45 - Nov 23 Yes, well done Jonathan. You are playing better and better. Our attack is looking good but, oh dear, our defence!!! I am really surprised MM doesn't see the problem....or is it that he can but can't buy the two players he most needs(ie a decent Goalkeeper and a proper Right Back!)? Solve that problem and we could be in the Premiership next season.
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Westy added 18:41 - Nov 23 I also rate Douglas. He is able to snuff out danger in midfield before it develops into a goal scoring opportunity despite us conceding twice on a Saturday.
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happybeingblue added 20:50 - Nov 23 2 goals in 2 games well done jd keep it up, not sure what game penguin blue was watching Saturday but we certainly weren't negative I thought we actually played some decent stuff hopefully we can continue that in front of the sky cameras Saturday
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Geoff added 22:21 - Nov 23 Same one as me the problems are at the back we are conceding to many goals while your best keeper is warming the bench and you do not have a proper rightback Gerken does not control the six yard box and does not talk this installs mistakes stand behind him and you will see yourself.
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Dwillams57 added 07:35 - Nov 24 I agree our forwards are playing well although do feel sorry for Freddie another one out of position. We will not progress much further if the same defenders are going to be playing every week which they obviously are. Bart is clearly the better goalie most fans can see it, poor old Tommy always has a mistake in him and as for Luke chambers. We could be so much better why can't the manager see it.

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runningout added 15:02 - Nov 24 We should be winning these games... Not hoping or searching to build on an average performance...
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Ipswichbusiness added 20:35 - Nov 25 I was sceptical about Douglas when he signed, but I may have been wrong as he seems to be getting better and better. I am worried about how many goals we are conceding despite having two defensive midfielders sitting in front of the back four.
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