While sixth place in the Championship represents the Promised Land for Ipswich Town, striker Frank Nouble has his eyes on felling the Forest.

The Blues are three points off Reading, who occupy the final play-off spot in the top six, and ten points behind fifth-placed Nottingham Forest, who visit Portman Road at the end of March.

Last season’s play-off winners, Crystal Palace limped over the line into fifth place, despite an unimpressive late-season humbling in Suffolk, but are impressing in the top flight, albeit under a new manager in Tony Pulis.

While the Eagles enjoyed just one win in their last 10 games, having led the second tier at one stage, Town’s steady form this year suggests they will avoid such an extreme blip.

“There’s a big chance that we could finish in the play-offs and had you offered us this position at the start of the season, we would have taken it,” said Nouble. “Now we are there, we have just got to finish the season strong and confirm sixth place, or even fifth.

“It’s up for grabs and two wins and two draws from our last four games is great form really.

“Crystal Palace got promotion through the play-offs last season and I thought they were lucky to do so.

“They are doing well now though and I am happy they are as I have some friends there.”

Meanwhile England under-19 and 20 international Nouble has said he is fully focused on the Blues’ play-off push, despite being eligible to play for World Cup finalists Ivory Coast.

“They (Ivory Coast Football Federation) have just said keep playing well,” said Nouble. The current squad is reaching a climax and a new generation will come through in the next couple of years, which hopefully I will be involved in.

“England or Ivory Coast, I would definitely represent either, because international football is international football.

“I’m not thinking about it right now, but I would be very happy to play for Ivory Coast as that is where my parents are from.”