Ipswich v Birmingham: Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has told frustrated fans to boo him and not his players, should things not go the Blues’ way at home to Birmingham City tonight.

Tommy Smith and Tyrone Mings were two players to incur the wrath of a section of supporters, at Portman Road, at the weekend, as Ipswich huffed and puffed their way to a 1-0 defeat against mid-table Reading, the hosts being unable to unlock the Royals’ defence.

The Blues boss, who has made a loan approach for Leicester City winger Anthony Knockaert, knows his side’s patience may be tested again this evening against a side revitalised under Gary Rowett – Birmingham have lost just four of their 18 league games since his arrival, which followed the humiliating 8-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in October.

“It’s really counter-productive to jeer or boo your own players,” said McCarthy.

“Stay to the end and boo me off, I’m cool with that.

“Actually, I’m not, I don’t like it but I can tolerate that more than during the game, because it just doesn’t have any positive effect.

“I don’t know anyone that sits and get booed for doing their job, it’s not going to help.

“I have been at a lot of clubs and played for a lot of clubs and I don’t know a player that I have played with or managed that has been booed and performed better as a result.

“The last time I was booed off (as manager) we went on a run of one defeat in 20, so let’s hope that’s the case again.

“I think everyone should be appreciative, like we are of the supporters, of the job the lads have done, especially someone who has come through the academy like Tommy (Smith).”

McCarthy is without David McGoldrick (thigh), Luke Hyam and Noel Hunt (both knee) and hamstring victims Stephen Hunt and Darren Ambrose for tonight’s game against a Birmingham team that have conceded, on average, just a goal per Championship game since Rowett’s appointment.

“I am aware fans want to see us win but we were playing against a good team (Reading) with good players, who scored a goal and made it difficult for us,” added McCarthy.

“There are times we can’t go forward because they (the opposition) are playing well in their half and it’s hard to find a pass, so sometimes you have to go back or square.”

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