Jim Magilton has ordered his troop to burst Barnsley's bubble and get Ipswich Town's promotion chase back on track.After going three games without a win in their quest for a play off place and slipping to eighth, Magilton is looking for three points against the FA Cup semi-finalists and leap-frogging back into the top six.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

Jim Magilton has ordered his troop to burst Barnsley's bubble and get Ipswich Town's promotion chase back on track.

After going three games without a win in their quest for a play off place and slipping to eighth, Magilton is looking for three points against the FA Cup semi-finalists and leap-frogging back into the top six.

Relegation threatened Barnsley were distracted in the preparation for tonight's visit by Ipswich with the FA Cup draw giving them fellow Championship side Cardiff at Wembley and Magilton is hoping they can cut the Tykes back down to size.

Magilton said: “Barnsley are on a massive crest and we have to bring them down with a bump. They still have a lot to play for and points are very important to them as they are to us.”

Magilton accepts Town will need to get back to their best to pick up just their third away win of the campaign.

He said: “It is no mean feat to beat Liverpool and Chelsea in the FA Cup and they can use that. Ipswich Town at home on a Tuesday night is not going to intimidate that. What we have to do is start brightly, take the game to them and take advantage that they have had a big game and will still be on a high.

“The draw will have distracted them and the possibility of playing in a cup final.

“We have to use all that and produce a performance.

“Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace were particular highs for us.”

While the Blues know they are in for a tough physical battle, Magilton feels psychology will play its part.

He said: “It comes down to mental toughness. It is about who wants to win the most. It is hard to believe that Barnsley would show more desire than Chelsea but they did. We watched that and now we have to show more desire than Barnsley at Oakwell.

“Games can be won in tunnels, or in the first ten minutes, because markers put down can affect the opposition.

“Sport is like that. Look at all the great episodes in sports history a contest can be won before a ball has been kicked or a punch thrown.

“You have to be big enough and strong enough to deal with that, then impose your game on them and get a result.”

While Barnsley have been on a high, Magilton feels there has been a lot of negativity surrounding his sides recent results of two draws and a defeat.

He added; “We are going to need mental strength and my players are ready. They have been hurt by criticism and negativity and we need to lift that air of despondency.

“It is nice to be praised but at the same time criticism is part of the game and you have to deal with it and move in.”

Blues defender Sito Castro was the only injury doubt yesterday after picking up an ankle injury in a reserve friendly against Colorado Rapids.