Ipswich v Blackpool: Terry Connor has backed Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to push striker David McGoldrick towards that magic 20-goal mark ahead of the Blues’ clash with Blackpool, at Portman Road, this afternoon.
Former Wolves striker Ebanks-Blake has returned to full fitness, following a hamstring injury, sustained on his debut against Preston in the FA Cup, and is joined by Luke Hyam (leg) and Paul Taylor (toothache) in the squad.
Play-off-chasing Ipswich are seeking their third straight home win and will start favourites against a beleaguered Blackpool that have taken just seven points from a possible 48, since Town won there in November.
McGoldrick will hope to add to his tally of 16 goals against the Championship strugglers but Blues assistant manager Connor is happy Town can add prolific Championship striker Ebanks-Blake to their squad.
“Sylvan is a very good player and is hungry and ready to play,” said Connor.
“He’s trained for the last 10 days and his addition will help create that improvement we are always looking for.
“David (McGoldrick) is looking to reach 20 goals but we have got a good pool of strikers putting pressure on each other, so he knows he will have to keep playing well.”
Today’s visitors have stopped the rot in recent weeks and interim player-manager Barry Ferguson has taken two points from his first four games.
The Scot replaced Paul Ince last month and has added eight players to his squad, leaving Connor on his guard.
“Barry will have made a few changes and introduced some fresh ideas. The team will have a different outlook to before,” said Connor, who along with McCarthy, has guided Town to eighth position in the Championship.
“We have to be on our mettle and expect a battle. If we can win that, then we can look at playing some football.
“We are 10 points behind fifth-place, and know that’s a big swing of points, but that does not stop you from wanting to pick up points and wins.”
Three-page Blackpool preview in today’s EADT.
Follow Chris Brammer on Twitter for updates during the game - @chrisbramms
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