IPSWICH Town assistant manager John Gorman says the Blues will have no fear going into tonight's Coca-Cola Championship game against Southampton at Portman Road.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town assistant manager John Gorman says the Blues will have no fear going into tonight's Coca-Cola Championship game against Southampton at Portman Road (kick-off 7.45pm).

Both sides will understandably be edgy as the Blues can ill-afford to allow a wider gap to develop between them and the top six, while the Saints need points to move away from the danger zone at the other end of the table.

“We played better against Preston on Saturday than we did in our win at Queens Park Rangers the previous weekend,” said Gorman.

“Despite the 3-2 defeat at Deepdale our confidence levels are still high and we have no fear going into the game against Southampton.”

Tommy Miller scored a couple of fine goals, but the Blues were punished for three bad mistakes at the back - with Gorman adding: “Richard Wright had a quiet game.

“But the lads have been great and came in yesterday as bright as buttons and are looking forward to tonight's game.”

Gorman was chief scout at Southampton until last summer and he has a great affection for the south coast club.

“George Burley took me their, but the position was not perhaps my best role. Because of their financial situation I don't think they have replaced me.

“Like Ipswich, Southampton is a wonderful football club with similar supporters and chairman Rupert Lowe is always looking to do what is best for the club.

“Apart from a couple of newcomers I know the players well and there is a great deal of talent on their books.

“I am told they are playing a bit more direct these days and they will give us a severe test.”

“They've won two on the trot and I respect them for that. I don't want them to go down but I'll start worrying about that after tonight's game.”

Before taking over Ipswich Town 14 months ago owner Marcus Evans looked at Southampton, and while Town now have the benefit of his investment the Saints are living virtually hand to mouth.

Ipswich have to make at least one change tonight with Moritz Volz suffering a recurrence of his calf problem at Preston. Pim Balkestein is expected to come in and although he can play left back he is more likely to partner skipper Gareth McAuley at the heart of the defence with Alex Bruce at right back and David Wright on the other flank.

Ivan Campo is fit and training again but is more likely to play in tomorrow's reserve game although he could be on the bench tonight.

Jon Walters suffered a dead leg on Saturday but should be okay, Town will again be without Danny Haynes (hamstring) and Ben Thatcher (foot).