Ipswich Town: Why Kieffer Moore didn't start at Preston

The proven Championship hitman, who signed on loan from Bournemouth on deadline day, came off the bench with the Blues 3-0 down at the break and changed the game at Deepdale, scoring twice as Town's spirited comeback fell just short.

READ MORE: Stuart Watson's verdict on defeat at Preston

But Town's ever-analytical boss said after the game that he felt starting Moore would have been the wrong move.

Asked if he'd considered it, McKenna said: "Not really, to be honest.

"You can always take the gamble, but I don't think it would have been the right thing to do. He hadn't even trained with the group.

"He's here for the next 17 games to have an impact, not just today. So we weren't overly tempted by that."

Kieffer Moore climbs to head home his first of two goals at Preston (Image: Pagepix Ltd)
On Moore's instant impact, McKenna added: "He showed straight away what we've been missing, to be fair, since George (Hirst) has been out.

"He gave us that physical profile on the top line that creates space for others and also gives a target in the box to play into or cross to.

READ MORE: Lowe's praise for 'man mountain' Moore

"His impact was there for all to see. I thought he did excellent and that gives us something to build on next week."

Ali Al-Hamadi, the recent £1m+ recruit from AFC Wimbledon, also came on in the second half to make his Town debut. 

"He showed some of his dynamism in the final third and some of his physicality around the box. It was good to get him on the pitch as well," said McKenna.

"We had so many chances in the second half and the (3,500+) supporters behind the goal were fantastic. The disappointment is that we weren't able to get the next goal."

READ MORE: What fans are saying about Moore's second Town debut