IPSWICH Town assistant manager John Gorman expects Blues fans to lift the team in this afternoon's crucial Coca-Cola Championship game against Blackpool at Portman Road

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town assistant manager John Gorman expects Blues fans to lift the team in this afternoon's crucial Coca-Cola Championship game against Blackpool at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

“That's why they're called supporters,” said Gorman, who experienced his first league defeat at Swansea last Saturday since joining Town just after Christmas.

“Players can lift the crowd, but equally fans need to lift players.

“We've still got opportunities to make an impact this season and we've got to be positive.

“The table's so close and when people doubt you it can be inspirational.”

Gorman admits that Ipswich need to be show more going forward against a Blackpool side with a decent away record.

He went on: “We have to show some adventure and flair against Blackpool.

“We need to be inventive and show some extra guile and if we end up winning the whole place will seem a lot brighter.

“We're back at home and it's obviously important we get something from the game.

“What happened at Swansea last weekend is in the past now.

“It was frustrating at the time, but we've learnt from it and moved on. What better way to prove it than to bounce back with a home win.”

Town are seven points off the play-offs with two crunch home games coming up in quick succession - with Nottingham Forest the visitors on Wednesday.

They have no fresh injury worries, although will be without the suspended David Norris and Alan Quinn today.

Moritz Volz is back in contention after recovering from a groin problem while Gareth McAuley and Veliche Shumulikoski were being assessed after being in international action on Wednesday.

New signing Luciano Civelli could be on the bench, having managed an hour of Monday's 9-2 reserve hammering of Colchester United.