When you are searching for a hero Richard Naylor is just the man for Ipswich Town.The Blues defender made his first start in a year to inspire Ipswich to victory at Selhurst Park with an outstanding contribution in both boxes.

Derek Davis

When you are searching for a hero Richard Naylor is just the man for Ipswich Town.

The Blues defender made his first start in a year to inspire Ipswich to victory at Selhurst Park with an outstanding contribution in both boxes.

The winner came from his shot which went in off Danny Haynes and he also made a goal-line clearance from Palace skipper Mark Hudson.

Naylor said: “It was so good to be back and the result topped it off. We had been working on a few things last week and we knew we could improve from Saturday.

“Danny didn't know much about it. I think he was trying to get out of the way. I was pleased with my initial shot and thought it was going in.”

Naylor's last start was also at Selhurst Park when he needed an injection for a toe injury to play in the 2-0 loss.

He said: “It is ironic that I should play here when my last start for the club was in the game last season.

“I had to have pain-killing injection to get through last time and since then it has been a long hard road and very frustrating.

“I have had to be very patient but now I'm looking forward and feeling positive.”

Naylor was part of an awesome defensive display that earned a clean sheet against the likes of James Scowcroft and Shefki Kuqi.

He added: “I was delighted to play my part in a victory and a clean sheet. Neil (Warnock's) side always hit a lot balls into the box so it was a question of being brave and strong and as a collective unit we performed very well.”

Naylor's display epitomised the excellent Town team performance which had manager Jim Magilton purring. In particular he picked out Richard Naylor whose shot on the stroke of half-time was deflected in by Danny Haynes to give the Blues just their second away win of the season.

Magilton said of Naylor: “It is typical of the boy and to step in and play in the manner he did was very good. He now has to do it consistently.”

The clean sheet was the work of everyone but Magilton picked out his back line for special praise.

He said: “Richard Naylor and Jason de Vos were absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Dan (Harding) and Alex (Bruce).

“We felt David (Wright) needed a break and Alex came in and did a resolute job.

“Our work ethic was first class and 1-0 away from home speaks volumes about our defensive display.”