DAVID Norris insists that it is not losing games that give cause for concern, but the manner of any defeats.

The Blues’ world has been turned upside down again after a run of three wins was followed by a 2-0 defeat at home to Derby County in the Championship on Tuesday.

The Rams won comfortably despite a decent start by the Blues and a lively end to the game following the arrival of Jason Scotland off the substitutes’ bench.

Norris, who is a big doubt for the visit of Barnsley to Portman Road today as he recovers from an ankle injury, looks realistically at the bigger picture.

The midfielder, who now has his larger than life portrait in a joint Blues promotion with National Express above the booking office at Ipswich Station, said: “Apart from the top two or three teams the rest of the clubs are in the same position.

“We are winning games and thinking we are doing okay and losing one with thoughts that we are struggling again.

“It is the nature of the league, and like every other club we will lose matches. We have to expect to lose games – like most others are doing.

“It is the manner of the defeat that can be a worry, and there is no doubt that Derby deserved to win on Tuesday.

“If there is a lack of effort perhaps or a failure to follow instructions then this has to be looked at.”

With Grant Leadbitter certainly out today because of suspension and Gavin McAuley a major doubt with an Achilles problem, Ipswich will have to call on other squad members.

“Others will be able to make a claim for a regular place and we have a decent squad,” added Norris.

“I’m sure we have the quality in the squad to turn it around on Saturday.”