DARREN Currie makes his home debut for Ipswich Town tonight looking to emulate his bow at QPR 10 days ago.The £250,000 signing scored, and played a part in another, in the Blues' 4-2 win at Loftus Road and it would be some going to beat that against the league leaders Wigan at Portman Road.

By Derek Davis

DARREN Currie makes his home debut for Ipswich Town tonight looking to emulate his bow at QPR 10 days ago.

The £250,000 signing scored, and played a part in another, in the Blues' 4-2 win at Loftus Road and it would be some going to beat that against the league leaders Wigan at Portman Road.

Despite being just nine games shy of 500 league games, this will only be Currie's second senior appearance at Portman Road, the other came for Brighton last month when he missed a good early chance in the Seagulls' 1-0 defeat.

Understandably, the 30-year-old, who starts in place of the suspended Kevin Horlock, is relishing appearing in front of almost 30,000 Town fans and wants to make a good first impression.

He said: “It has been an unbelievable fortnight. I made a pleasing start at QPR and that has made it easier for me at Portman Road tonight.

“It gives you a natural lift when you know you are going to be running out in front of nearly 30,000 fans in a proper football stadium.

“Everything connected with the game, top two, home debut, will be working on the adrenaline.

“I just want to go out there and give a good account of myself and do what I have been doing all season.

“If I do what I'm capable of, then I'm sure everyone will be pleased and, hopefully, I can build on what I did at QPR.”

The only other time Currie has played on the immaculate Portman Road pitch was when he was in the West Ham reserves, which also included Horlock and Matt Holland. The experience with Brighton has whetted his appetite.

He said: “It was buzzing at Portman Road, with a terrific atmosphere and a really enjoyable game to be involved in, even though I was on the losing side that day.

“The one thing that's stands out about that game was the pitch, which is perfect for passing football, which is what I enjoy.”

The goal against QPR was the second he has scored against them this season, but he did not enjoy such good fortune for Brighton against Wigan, who he praises highly, but is sure tonight will be a close run thing.

Currie said: “The league table doesn't lie. They are a good side and their front two will be a threat to us. There will be four outstanding strikers, all with different attributes, but if you give any one of them a chance they will take it.

“There will be good, intriguing battles all over the pitch.

“Our back two have to mark their front two and the defences will have to be on top of the game.

“Jimmy Bullard and Jim Magilton are good footballers, you have a lot of talent all over the place.”

Currie is convinced Town need to take the game to the Latics, who build momentum slowly.

He said: “We are the home team, so the initiative will be with us but we have to take our chances.

“The first 15/20 minutes we need to get right at them and I know, having seen when Ipswich score early, that the confidence grows.”

The gap between games has allowed Currie to settle in with the rest of the squad and, with his girlfriend landing a job in Billericay, he is looking at moving to Colchester, where his best mate in football, Sam Stockley, also lives.

Netting his fourth goal of the season would help him feel right at home at Portman Road straight away.