Sears needs ‘a goal and a little bit of luck’ to rediscover his form

Sears made just his second Ipswich Town start since August when he played the first hour of the Blues 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday, but endured a quiet afternoon and saw little of the ball as he partnered full-back Knudsen on the left flank.

He is now without a goal stretching back 19 games to the 3-1 victory over Newcastle in April, finding the net just nine times in his last 100 outings, but Knudsen has seen enough to believe the 28-year-old will find his form soon.

“Freddie is a great player and I like to play with him because I think we have a good combination together,” Knudsen said.

MORE: ‘It’s like my lad asking for a Maserati as his first car!’ – McCarthy on not signing Lawrence

Freddie Sears has not scored for Ipswich Town since April. Picture PAGEPIX (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

“I like playing with him on the left because we know each other well and work hard for each other.

“He is a good player, we know what a player he is and he will get some goals. He will get a goal and a little bit of luck and then he will start scoring.

“I enjoy to play with him, as well as Bersant (Celina).

“He is always working hard, gives all he can and you know football is about confidence.

“Freddie just needs to get a goal or something and then get more confident. He did well when he came on the other day (against Sheffield Wednesday) and deserved his start so I’m sure one will come soon.”

Sears, who celebrates his 28th birthday today, will be hoping for further game-time when the Blues head to Derby tomorrow night, with McCarthy insisting he is still playing his part in the side despite his lack of goals.

MORE: Ready, Teddy, go! – ‘Forgotten man’ Bishop ready to rediscover his form of old

“He’s having it tough at the minute in front of goal – he can’t get a goal and you end up snatching at things and getting frustrated,” the Ipswich boss said.

Jonas Knudsen has backed Sears to find his form soon. Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

“It would be nice (if he could score). He still does his graft and is selfless and he came on against Wednesday and created the corner which got the goal but he needs a goal himself.”

McCarthy also insisted he has not considered putting youngsters Ben Morris and Ben Folami on the bench as additional striking options.

“The worry is what happens if I wanted to rejig and wanted to do something else,” McCarthy said. “I’m not convinced they are better than what was on the bench.”