IPSWICH TOWN: Damien Delaney today looked back on a ‘perfect’ night at Portman Road on Tuesday.

The Blues beat League Two Northampton 3-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

Central defender Delaney was one of the scorers and he said that the victory – and the professional display – could not have been better timed.

“It was a perfect night for us, and sets us up for the visit of Millwall on Saturday,” said Delaney.

“It was just what we needed after three bad results in the Championship.

“Any win would have been good, but it was not a smash and grab affair; it was a good performance.

“We scored three good goals, passed the ball around well and managed to kill off the game.

“There were a lot of positives and we shall be much better for it on Saturday.”

Delaney revealed that manager Roy Keane has been stressing the importance of not conceding a second goal.

“This happened against Coventry, Watford and Nottingham Forrest in our recent bad run,” added the Republic of Ireland international.

“The manager’s message was ringing in our ears after Northampton took the lead.

“He told us to accept the set back, but not to panic. Instead to regroup and sit tight.

“There was a good feeling before the start of the match, and we were able to satisfy the manager’s requirements.

“We are looking forward to Saturday quarter-final draw and the game when it comes, but now we must focus on Millwall.

“The division is so tight that one win can see us go back up from 14th to the top six and we want to keep the smiles on everybody’s faces.”

And talking about his goal, Delaney went on: “I was more worried about losing possession and getting grief from the manager for allowing Northampton to break.

“I closed my eyes and put my foot through the ball and luckily it flew in – that’s my goal for the season!”

Delaney suffered a career threatening injury in pre-season and had to undergo two emergency operations after complications set in following a dead leg.

Having played three games in eight days he says that he now back to full fitness. “It was hard road, but I’m there now,” he said.