Derby v Ipswich: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is ready to shake off the “super-sub” tag as Mick McCarthy prepares for life without David McGoldrick.

The Blues head to Derby tomorrow with McGoldrick, pictured right, set to make his farewell appearance for Town, following the conclusion of his 93-day loan spell at Portman Road.

The 25-year-old will pen a permanent two-year deal with Ipswich in the summer, provided Town preserve their Championship status, something JET is certain will happen.

Excluding McGoldrick, Town’s current crop of forwards have scored just 13 league goals this season, but Emmanuel-Thomas insists Ipswich will survive.

“I don’t have any fear of relegation at all,” said the 22-year-old.

“Of all the teams in the relegation fight, we are one of the teams certain to stay up.”

He added: “Losing David is a big blow as he poses a real threat going forward with his ability to get shots off and beat players.

“We are going to lack a bit without him going forward but some of the other boys also pose a threat in different ways.”

Emmanuel-Thomas scored just his second goal of the season in the 3-0 home win over Leeds last Saturday and followed that up with his first league start under manager Mick McCarthy at Millwall, on Monday.

The 22-year-old has made his biggest impressions off the bench in recent weeks but revealed he wanted to be far more than just an impact player.

“I made a defensive block in the Leicester game, set Carlos Edwards’ goal up against Bolton and scored against Leeds, so I made three different contributions as a substitute,” he said.

“If that is what I have to do to help the team stay up then so be it, but no-one wants to just be an impact player.

“Scoring my first goal at home was a big weight off my shoulders.

“Getting that goal gives you that positive feeling back and you just want to continue playing.”

Derby v Ipswich - Double page preview in today’s Ipswich Star.