Loanee Ryan Fraser has assured fans that the dressing room mood remains upbeat in the wake of last Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Derby.

Despite having won just once in their last nine home games, Town have only lost three times at Portman Road in the current campaign — to Derby, Middlesbrough and Brighton, the Championship’s current top three — and their overall record is two defeats in the space of their last 10 outings.

Fraser, whose substitute appearance against the Rams was his first since recovering from a knee ligament injury suffered in October, said: “We thought we played well against Derby and so did the gaffer. It was a tough one to take because I didn’t think there was that much between us.

“After a loss you’re always a little bit down but the lads have been okay since then. After the run we’ve had we still have the confidence to go and win on Saturday.

“I watched the Middlesbrough game and I didn’t think they outplayed us much. In the second half they were a little bit better but in the first we could have been 1-0 ahead.”

Fraser remains positive about Town’s chances over the second half of the season and added: “I’ve got no doubt that we can compete against the top teams.

“In certain games this season we’ve shown what we can do. Derby are a passing team but they couldn’t pass it round us on Saturday. I thought in the second half they struggled against us.”

Meanwhile, Fraser, a possible starter when an improving QPR visit on Saturday, is not surprised that his ex-Bournemouth colleague Brett Pitman has already established himself as Town’s leading marksman with seven goals so far this season.

Fraser said: “I’ve always known he could do it. People might not have thought so but if you look at his record he scores goals.

“He works hard for the team as well and he’s very, very good technically. He’ll pop up with important goals, like the winners in the games before Derby at Milton Keynes and Fulham. He’s a very good player.”

Photo: Action Images

Cakeman added 09:04 - Dec 24 Very good to see Ryan back and he also makes a good comment about Brett Pitman who arguably along with Freddie Sears has become our most consistent and reliable striker.
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