IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today said his players had the chance to make a real statement of intent when they take on second-placed Watford in the Coca-Cola Championship at Portman Road tomorrow (kick off 3pm).

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton today said his players had the chance to make a real statement of intent when they take on second-placed Watford in the Coca-Cola Championship at Portman Road tomorrow (kick off 3pm).

The Blues' boss said: “Any team that finishes above Watford are likely to get themselves promoted.

“With three points against them this weekend we will move up within striking distance of them.

“It is an opportunity for us to be in a position to move on and make this a fantastic season.”

Magilton has no serious injury problems with striker Alan Lee the only possible change to the team that won 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.

Lee scored the winning goal to end the 11-month run of away matches without a victory after coming on to impress as a second-half substitute.

Alan Quinn has a slight ankle problem but he is expected to play and was training with the rest of the squad today.

“There was a lot of relief around the training ground this week,” said Magilton.

“And now we must move forward and continue to push for a promotion place.

“A win tomorrow will set us up perfectly for our trip to Crystal Palace on Tuesday where we will have extra confidence if we can see off Watford.

“And to come out in credit from our next two very tough games will be just what the doctor ordered at this stage of the season.”

And reflecting on the five additions he made to his squad in last month's transfer window, Magilton added: “We now have a squad that is competing for places and they all want to play.

“Dan Harding has shown what is needed after being left out for a number of weeks.

“He continued to work hard and showed the right attitude to get back in the team and he has come back a better and fresher player.

“Watford have players who can hurt us and they defend well with a good work ethic.

“We must roll up our sleeves, but also have the courage to play our football when we get the chance.

“We set out the season with a play-off place in mind but once you get on a roll it is sometimes hard to stop. So I would not rule out a serious challenge for an automatic promotion place at this stage.”