Jon: We'll come back all guns blazing

Derek Davis

JON Walters is looking forward to using the FA Cup as a good break and then to come back 'all guns blazing' for Ipswich Town's promotion push.

The Blues striker believes the 4-1 win at Crystal Palace was vital to keep them in with a chance of making the play-offs and after winning at Derby and drawing at home against Sheffield Wednesday can form part of a much-needed good run.

Walters said: “We needed the three points. We did not want to be 11 points adrift.

“We have a good break this week for the cup then can come back all guns blazing.

“We then have Tuesday, Saturday so we have a good chance to pick up points quickly.”

After Chelsea on Saturday, Town go to Barnsley before entertaining plummeting Plymouth, games Walters feels Town should win.

He said: “Barnsley is exactly the sort of place, like at Palace, where we should pick up three points. It is going to be difficult but we need to get points on the board.

“It has been inconsistency but apart from the top two or three it has been the same for everyone.

“Anyone that shows consistency can get into the play-offs. We have to push on now because the longer you leave it the harder it is.

“Whether it is draws or wins you have to go on a run and avoid defeat.”

With Kevin Lisbie, David Norris and Owen Garvan all scoring, along with an own goal from Clint Hill, Walters is sure Town have the players to compete.

He said: “As long as we are scoring goals it doesn't matter who is scoring.

“We have a good squad with good competition for places.”

The arrival of John Gorman as assistant manager has also been welcomed by Walters.

He said: “John Gorman is very positive person. He is nice to have around the training ground.”

The striker also had a word about the 1,499 Town fans that cheered them on to victory.

He said: “After the dreadful away run we had last year it is nice to get points away.

“To get 4-1 here is a nice treat for our support. We always get a good following away and next week at Chelsea there will be another full house which will be a good day out.”

After being the subject of much speculation himself in transfer windows, Walters is pleased that there doesn't appear to be any other teams interested in the current squad and they will be sticking together.

He said: “It is always difficult in the transfer window with all the speculation.

“We are sound enough financially to keep our players and add to the squad and give us more competition.”

Town are hoping to use this week to clear up some injuries, with David Wright looking to return, while Ben Thatcher missed out on the win with a virus but is expected to be fit to face Chelsea.