Ipswich Town goalkeeper Dean Gerken says he and his team-mates have gone into their own bubble to prevent any outside criticism affecting them.

There was a real feelgood factor surrounding the Blues following last season’s top-six finish and a super start to this campaign, but the return of just one win in seven Championship matches has seen the mood turn a little sour.

There were groans, grumbles and the odd spate of booing during Saturday’s goalless home draw with Huddersfield Town, Mick McCarthy’s men now facing a tough away match against Hull City this evening (7.45pm).

“I’m used to it, all the booing and everything. It’s no worries to me at all,” said Gerken. “They pay their money to come in and if they want to boo they can boo. It’s not a nice thing to hear, but fundamentally you have got to stay strong.

“It’s only your performance which will stop them booing. Mentally you have to stay inside your own little bubble and not let any outside criticism affect you.

“When I look back, the best year to thicken my skin as a player was when I was with Colchester and we got relegated from the Championship. I wish that hadn’t happened, but it made me stronger.”

Asked if Town players were feeling the weight of added expectations this season, the Blues keeper said: “The pressure’s always on, whether you’re winning, losing or drawing. But we’ve got a strong group of experienced players. We’re in that bubble and nothing has been affecting us.

“Can I understand the fans’ frustrations? Absolutely. Last year we were flying and this year has been a bit more difficult.

“At the end of the day we’ve still got a good team. Nothing has changed from last year and things will be put right. We have no worries about being able to turn things around at all.

“We wanted the three points on Saturday, but if it was going to be any other scenario we wanted nil-nil and a clean sheet.

“We needed a clean sheet because confidence has been low on that side of things. Everyone pulled in the right direction and we can build upon that.”

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