DARYL Murphy has labelled Town’s crucial clash against Burnley today a must-win after conceding Tuesday’s thrashing at Crystal Palace was embarrassing.

Blues, bottom of the Championship and five points adrift of safety, have not recorded a league victory at home since a 1-0 win over Barnsley on March 31.

But ahead of Mick McCarthy’s first game in charge at Portman Road after replacing Paul Jewell as manager last week, Murphy has called on his side to finally end their winless streak on their home patch.

“It’s definitely a must-win game against Burnley,” said the Republic of Ireland international.

“We haven’t won at home this season so it’s about time we put that right and give the fans something to cheer about.

“It’s a massive game because we need to start picking up points and especially at home.

“We need to be winning most of our home games and that’s not happening so far. Our home form is going to be key I think this season.

“I think it is the worse run I’ve had with any team. It obviously gets you down and it’s hard to pick yourselves up from defeats.

“But we can’t take pity on ourselves. We have to dig deep and start getting some results.

“It is hard to believe where we are, especially when you look around the dressing room and see the players we have, but it’s all about what happens on a Saturday.

“Everyone has to pull their weight and produce something for the team.

“It’s no good saying we’re good on paper. You have to go out and prove that on the pitch.

“The confidence is low in the camp but we have got a good team spirit amongst ourselves and we just need to lift each other on the pitch.”

After suffering an abortive five-goal thrashing at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, Murphy concedes the players were ashamed of their performance – but insists they can bounce back against 10th-placed Burnley.

“I think everyone had to look at themselves in the mirror after that performance,” Murphy added.

“It wasn’t acceptable. We were all embarrassed after that. I don’t think anyone spoke on the bus on the way home. There was a bad atmosphere.

“But you have to come back and pick yourself up because it’s no good moping around the place.

“You have to brighten yourself up and get ready for the next game.”