IPSWICH TOWN: The start of Paul Jewell’s reign as Blues manager proves that he has what it takes to lead the club to automatic promotion next season.

He’s taken 10 points from his opening five games, which if continued over a season would result in a top two finish.

Still smarting after a late leveller by Barnsley on Saturday, Jewell said: “It hurt but if you look at the bigger picture we have taken 10 points in the five league games since I came here.

“On that basis if you offered me 92 points next season I think I would take that.

“When I came here we were three points from a relegation position and we are making progress. We’ve got to look forward but cannot afford to get complacent.”

Jewell is under no illusions about how tough tonight’s npower Championship game at the Keepmoat Stadium against ailing Doncaster Rovers (kick-off 7.45pm) will be.

“This division is very even and from top to bottom you are going to be presented with a very difficult game,” said Jewell.

“And I’ll be treating tonight’s game no different to next Tuesday’s visit to league leaders Queens Park Rangers.”

After losing his opening game at Millwall, Jewell’s side were presented with a block of six games against lower order sides that was an ideal opportunity to move away from the drop zone.

And they have grasped this with open arms with wins against Doncaster and Sheffield United at home and Derby County away and a draw at Barnsley.

After tonight’s re-arranged game they are at home to Hull City on Saturday with Jewell saying:

“I don’t agree that Doncaster will be easier than QPR, who we will turn our attentions to next week.

“They may be going through a sticky spell with three defeats in their last four games but there are no matches in this division where you can turn up and be 60% or 70%.

“You have to be 100% and that will be no different tonight.”

Jewell says that there will be setbacks along the way similar to the late goal at Oakwell.

“That was a kick in the teeth, and there will be more to come I’m sure, but looking at it long term we will get better.”

Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll was mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Roy Keane at Portman Road last month with Jewell adding:

“I’m a lucky man as it seems a lot of people would like my job.

“Any Premier League or Championship job that comes up Sean will be a candidate.

“He is highly sought-after as he has done so well with the resources he has and I admire the way that his Doncaster try and play.

“He may be a quiet man, but he is a complete football man.”

Doncaster will overtake 15th placed Town if they win tonight while Ipswich could go up to 13th if they gain three points.