Derby v Ipswich: Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy wants his in-form side to slap Derby County while they’re down tonight.

The Rams controversially sacked long-serving boss Nigel Clough following a 1-0 loss at East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday, also placing four members of the coaching staff on gardening leave.

Former England manager Steve McClaren was appointed the new boss last night but he’ll watch from the stands tonight as academy director Darren Wassell takes caretaker charge.

“If the players are glad to see the back of the bloke who’s gone then it lifts the camp,” said McCarthy, when asked if the changes could affect a Derby side who have claimed just one point from their four home games so far this season

“I didn’t see that with Nigel though. I know they haven’t won at home yet, but look at their results away from home. They beat Millwall 5-0, they beat Brighton away from home (2-1). They’ve had some brilliant results which don’t suggest the players had stopped playing for the manager.

“I don’t know what to expect from Derby, whether it’s Steve McClaren or somebody from the youth team in charge, but it’s not going to affect our approach because we’ll just play the same.”

Town have won four out of five league games at Portman Road this season, but have claimed just one point from four away games.

“We played very, very well at Reading, QPR, Wigan and Birmingham,” said McCarthy. “We can’t play any better than that away, I don’t think. We can better the results, but if we can play any better I want to see it. The performances have been terrific.

“Keep playing like that and the first away win won’t be far away. Hopefully it comes at Derby.

“I feel for Nigel because I thought he did a good job, but it’s got nowt to do with me. I’m going to go there and try and slap them and make it worse.”

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