GOAL hero Jon Stead does not believe there is a major problem with Town's home form but recognises the importance of beating Barnsley tomorrow.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

GOAL hero Jon Stead does not believe there is a major problem with Town's home form but recognises the importance of beating Barnsley tomorrow.

Stead has yet to taste defeat with Ipswich Town and is looking for three points against a Barnsley side that have not scored in their past four matches.

Stead said: “We are not really struggling at home.

“It is still early and expectation is high because of what happened last season. The fans expect us to be better at home and so do we. In the other hand our away form has been better so we are working to put both right.

“Barnsley is an important game for us and one where we feel we can get all three points

“We have to put Saturday to the back of our minds and look back to the Reading game and use what worked for us so well in that game.

“We need to sort things out early on and earn the right to play. We know it will be a similar game as to Palace because they will set up to stop us playing. We need to overcome that and get our own game going and put the pressure on.”

Stead put Town ahead against Palace to take his tally to two goals in two games at Portman Road since signing from Sheffield United and two in four in total.

Stead said: “It is always good to score and I was delighted with that goal

“A1:2 ratio is what you look for so I was pleased with that but it would have been better if it led to three points.

“It was not a brilliant performance from us and we all know that.”

Stead admitted he was shocked at being the one taken off so Pablo Counago could join the attack but said he understood the manager's decision which was met by derision from home supporters.

He said: “I was a little surprised to be taken off.

“I felt with the goal and other things I was enjoying playing and my confidence was good.

“I know it is not my strongest when I'm pushed wide and so he changed it.

“If he feels what is right or wrong that us up to him. He does whatever he feels is right for the team.”

“But I was disappointed to be taken off, then again I will always be disappointed to come off.

“Up until that point we were not playing our best stuff

“Looking back after I came off we moved the ball around better and created some good chances.”

Although he would prefer to play every game, Stead admits he will have to get used to Jim Magilton's policy of constant changes.

He insists it is not a problem getting to know so many systems and combinations.

Stead said: “It is not really difficult. We work on a lot of thing in training and all the players in and around the squad know their jobs and know what is required.

“We have a good strong squad do rotation might be the key especially with so many games at once

“You are always looking to get a partnership and if you are playing consistently with two or three the all the better but the changes has not been an issue.”

Alan Quinn is expected to be back in the Blues 16 for the game with Barnsley after being dropped on Saturday. Moritz Volz remains a doubt with injury.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk