Sheffield Weds v Ipswich: Aaron Cresswell has next season’s play-offs in his sights, as the Blues look to end a tough campaign on a high.

Mick McCarthy’s team travel to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow with four wins from six games and could cement their Championship status for another season with a victory at Hillsborough.

The corresponding fixture at Portman Road saw the Owls win 3-0, in the final game before McCarthy’s tenure started.

Since that game, the improvement under McCarthy has been remarkable, and the full-back believes Ipswich should be aiming higher come August, provided they ensure their safety this term.

“We would be fourth or fifth in the league had the season started when Mick McCarthy came in, so there is no reason why we shouldn’t be looking to try and make the play-offs next season,” said Cresswell, who has not missed a minute of league and cup football this term.

“We are finishing the season well and teams like Blackpool and Burnley have made late runs in the past and eventually been promoted.

“If we can take maximum points from our final three games, the confidence will be high going into next year.”

Town have accrued 49 points from 30 games under McCarthy but have left it slightly too late to be involved in this season’s play-off mix.

Had McCarthy arrived a few weeks earlier, the Blues would be serious contenders for a place in the play-offs, as Cresswell explains.

“There is always a team that goes on a late run, just look at Nottingham Forest and Bolton who are just outside the play-offs, and Crystal Palace a few years ago,” said the 23-year-old.

“We would like to be there next season. Why can’t it be us?”

Lee Martin (ankle) will not be included in tomorrow’s squad, but the winger will play some part in the under-21s game at Colchester on Monday night (7pm).

n See your two-page big match preview in today’s Ipswich Star.