DANNY Collins has called on his team mates to grant him a perfect leaving present – and send Blues fans home happy for Christmas.

Both the Welsh international and the thousands inside Portman Road for this afternoon’s match against Derby County will have the same wish – for Town to secure a much-needed clean sheet.

A dreadful 22 goals have been scored past David Stockdale, Richard Wright and Arran Lee-Barrett in the last seven matches.

And while fingers have to be pointed at the whole team, Collins, who leaves Ipswich after today’s match, has clearly taken the grim goals-against column to heart.

He said: “I would take a 1-0 now to be honest, more so than a 5-3. It’s what I want. And the most important thing is three points to build on last week’s win at Barnsley.”

Today’s match against the Rams represents Collins’ last for Ipswich following his three-month loan spell.

And while his future remains undecided, with the 31-year-old keeping his options open going into the New Year, Collins only has positive things to say about a loan deal which has certainly had its ups and downs.

Collins said: “It has been a rollercoaster. I have been here for 15 games and we have played some great stuff and passed teams off the park. I’ve enjoyed the club, the training ground, the manager and the players.

“It’s not been easy for the fans or for us. Obviously we are the ones that make them happy on a Saturday night if we are winning games. They have stuck with us and it is appreciated by the lads.

“The loan has been a good experience and it would be nice to sign off with a win today.”

With Stockdale expected to start for Fulham at home to Bolton in today’s Premier League encounter, Lee-Barrett will again be tasked with trying to ensure a first clean sheet in two months.

After ending the run of seven straight defeats in last week’s thrilling win at Oakwell, stopping the glut of goals will be the next thing on the Christmas list of Paul Jewell and the Blue Army.