Ipswich Town should fear no-one after their encouraging start to the season, says club legend Kevin Beattie.

The new-look Blues have racked up six early wins against sides struggling towards the foot of the Championship table, but now head into a tough-looking run of fixtures.

Town – who have won just one of their last 23 matches played in the month of October – travel to third-placed Sheffield United on Saturday.

Then it’s the visit of bitter rivals Norwich City to Portman Road on Sunday 22, the Canaries starting to find form under new German boss Daniel Farke, followed by quickfire away trips to Burton (21st) and Cardiff (1st).

“Yes, the teams we’ve beaten are down the bottom – but we have beaten them,” said Beattie.

“I don’t think the lads have anything to fear going into these next set of games. Against the so-called ‘top’ clubs I think we will play better, I really do. Under Mick (McCarthy), when everybody is expecting us to get beat, we always seem to turn up.

“Last season everyone was saying how tough the month of February looked, then we went unbeaten against Reading, Aston Villa, Brighton, Leeds and the Budgies.

“I really do think we are capable of beating anyone in this league.”

With summer signings and academy graduates rejuvenating the squad, Town are scoring plenty of goals (20 in 10 league games) and the entertainment value has gone up significantly.

“Okay, so there have been some disappointments, Fulham and Bristol City were better than us here, but let’s focus on some of the really good performances we’ve put in,” continued Beattie.

“We more than matched Leeds at Elland Road (3-2 loss) and were outstanding against Sunderland here (5-2 win). I don’t see any team that we should fear.

“Mick has said it’s his best squad in the five years he’s been here and I agree. When everyone is there will be some serious competition.

“There’s definitely a play-off place there for us. We’ve just got to keep our sleeves rolled up and keep believing in ourselves because belief can take you a long way.

“The lads have points on the board, they are scoring goals, have played some good football and should be really looking forward to these next few games.”