Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has called upon the club’s supporters to get behind the players he picks, insisting ‘this is not the X-Factor’.

Expectations surrounding the Blues rocketed following last season’s top-six finish and a flying start to this campaign, but McCarthy’s selection has come under scrutiny following the return of just one win in seven Championship outings.

A number of fans chanted the names of substitutes David McGoldrick and Kevin Bru during Saturday’s goalless draw with Huddersfield Town and McCarthy, whose team face Hull City at the KC Stadium tonight (7.45pm KO), responded by saying that ‘the more they shout, the less chance there is they’ll be coming on’.

Continuing the debate in yesterday’s pre-match press conference, he said: “It’s not the X-Factor this. We’re not looking to the crowd asking ‘should I take number four off?’ I’m not sat there like Simon Cowell rubbing my head going ‘oh no, what shall I do?’

“If you form a committee to design a horse that’s where the camel comes from. I’m not interested in what everybody else says. What I would be interested in is the opinion of my coaching staff.

“It’s always the same. If you’re getting beat the best players are always on the bench or in the stands. That’s just the way it is.”

He continued: “I don’t mind them calling for their favourite players, what I mind is that it’s always derogatory to the ones that are on the pitch and trying their best for the club. And we all know which ones they are getting at as well.

“I’ve had that throughout my career as a player and a manager when certain people get targeted.

“None of them go out and play badly on purpose. None of them ever go out and don’t try. I think you’ve got to give your full support to the ones that are playing.”

The Blues boss added: “From November 1st, 2012 it’s been an upwards surge and just now we are having it tough. That’s what happens. You can’t have it your way all the time.

“Criticism doesn’t bother me. Not long ago it was ‘one Mick McCarthy’ and ‘Terry, Terry, Terry Connor’. All the lads are were great. We’re all working our socks off to get back to that. Let’s all stick together, because we’re definitely better together.

“Listen, our fans are great. I understand their frustration and if anybody thinks I’m enjoying it then they are very much mistaken.”

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