Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy says Wigan’s league and cup heartache last season may have contributed to their indifferent start in the Championship.

Town’s opponents tonight have taken seven points from a possible nine at the DW Stadium this season, but three defeats from four on the road have left them languishing in 17th spot.

Uwe Rosler’s side were denied an immediate return to the top flight in May, courtesy of a play-off semi final defeat to QPR, and relinquished their defence of the FA Cup with a semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Arsenal.

“The cup competitions can galvanise you, as you can just keep going and going and it helps,” said McCarthy, who is without Cameron Stewart (knee) tonight.

“Playing in Europe (as a result of winning the FA Cup) is so difficult though, playing Thursday/Sunday, and maybe that’s why we were so dominant in the game (at Wigan last season), but we didn’t win it.

“It’s not easy to get to the play-offs and lose, that can be tough, getting so close to the Premier League.

“That leaves players and clubs feeling a bit flat.”

Wigan have also had to deal with the blow of losing £7m midfielder James McCarthur to Crystal Palace, but signed a Town target as a replacement.

“They have taken Emyr Huws from Manchester City, who was on-loan at Birmingham last year and I was trying to get him in on loan, as were a lot of clubs,” said McCarthy.

“So they have sold one for £7m (McCarthur) and brought in a very capable player (Huws). They have kept some of the big names and have a good squad and have spent a few quid to add to it.

“They were excellent down here last year and were one of the best teams we have faced.”

Wigan won 3-1 at Portman Road in March last season, and also secured an early-season 2-0 win at the DW.