Scott Loach is more than ready to challenge for Dean Gerken’s number one spot following his rare appearance in the FA Cup against Preston on Saturday.

Loach was one of seven changes to Mick McCarthy’s starting 11 in the scrappy 1-1 draw against the Lilywhites and unlike some of his team-mates that came in to the side, the former Watford stopper did his chances of featuring in McCarthy’s starting line-up again no harm following an assured display.

“I just want to play in goal, full credit to Gerks – he’s been absolutely brilliant but all I can do is keep on his toes,” said Loach, who hadn’t previously featured for Town since the defeat to Leeds in August.

Ipswich now have to travel to Deepdale on Tuesday week in the replay – the victors then travelling to Nottingham Forest in round four – and Loach is hopeful of getting another chance to impress should McCarthy decide to stick with him.

“I’m actually quite buzzing to get another game, well, I can’t say that because you never know but hopefully, hopefully I’ll get another game and be able to prove myself again.

“I’m there, I’m waiting and if the chance is called upon I hope that not just today but in training that I keep showing him (McCarthy) that I’m ready if need be.

“At the end of the day I want to be selfish, I want to play games – there’s no doubt about that but I’m a team player as well and that’s one thing you notice about everyone here at Ipswich - that’s why we are where we are and we’ve got to keep going.”