The Christmas 'feel-good factor' has arrived early at Portman Road, writes David Vincent.The thrilling 4-2 victory at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, and the arrival of a new first-team star in Darren Currie, has turned the phones red hot at the ticket office.

The Christmas 'feel-good factor' has arrived early at Portman Road, writes David Vincent.

The thrilling 4-2 victory at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, and the arrival of a new first-team star in Darren Currie, has turned the phones red hot at the ticket office.

Fans are rushing to snap up seats for the three home league games with Wigan, Stoke and West Ham.

And though the Hammers will take up their full 2,300 allocation for New Year's Day, there will be plenty of space in Portman Road for the two Tuesday games against teams who have far fewer travelling fans.

Wigan, despite their wealthy benefactor, are only expected to bring a handful of fans as football seems to remain second best to rugby league in their town.

Town's only away game in the Christmas period is at Millwall's New Den on Boxing Day - Sunday, December 26.

Ipswich Town ticket-office manager John Ford said: “The phones have been burning today with fans wanting to buy tickets.

“Normally clubs worry about the last home game before Christmas, when people are busy doing their Christmas shopping, but moving the Wigan game to a Tuesday has helped us.

“The children will already be on holiday from school so it is great for families. There will be plenty of room in the ground. Wigan might only bring 200 to 300 fans with it live on Sky, meaning they don't have to travel.

“But we are already on track for a crowd of 24,000 at the moment and should be up to 26,000 or 27,000 by the day, a very good crowd for the last game before Christmas.”

Similarly a large away contingent is not expected for Stoke City the following Tuesday, which is also being televised, this time with a lunchtime kick-off.

“We will have plenty of tickets available for that game and will have tickets on the turnstiles on the day too,” he added.

Tickets for the visit of promotion rivals West Ham United on New Year's Day, the closest thing to a local derby with Norwich City absent from the league this season, are also proving popular.

It also has a lunchtime kick-off but for security reasons, not television.

Gold card members have been snapping them up and from today season-ticket holders can claim their seats (and buy an additional seat if they require one).

Tickets go on general sale on Thursday, December 16.

On the basis of the interest already shown, and the fact that West Ham have snapped up their full allocation of seats, the club are anticipating close to a full house on New Year's Day.

In addition to these three league games tickets for the attractive FA Cup tie against old rivals Bolton Wanderers are also going on sale.

Silver Club members can already reserve their seats while season- ticket holders have until December 29 to get their usual seats for the January 8 clash.

Tickets are available on 01473 400555 or by visiting www.itfc.co.uk