ITFC: IPSWICH Town defender Darren O’Dea today said that the Blues need to run less to go on a winnining run.

The on-loan Celtic defender, who has agreed to stay with Town until the end of the season, is expected to be in the team for tomorrow’s Championship game against Doncaster Rovers at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

He revealed that there is a good feeling around the club following the arrival of new manager Paul Jewell and that the playing staff believe Town can start moving up the table.

“Perhaps we were trying too hard before,” said O’Dea.

“We were putting too much effort into matches – we were running more than we needed to.

“There is a good feeling around the place and we feel we are moving in the right direction.

“The new management team has already put forward a lot of ideas, and it’s up to us to put them into practice starting tomorrow.

“There is no special formula, but the manager knows exactly what he wants, and we all think it will work.

“To get us to play exactly how he wants may take a little while, but these are exciting times and the lads are in good spirits.”

O’Dea said that there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the squad and it is a case of harnessing this to best effect.

“I’d be happy to see every one of the current players stay here; we’ve got the right bunch to turn it round,” added O’Dea, who explained why he was so keen to stay at Portman Road.

“It was a simple decision – I wanted to stay and Ipswich wanted me to stay.

“I have been here during the last six months when without doubt we have put ourselves in a position where we are in a relegation battle.

“We cannot shy away from that, and I don’t want to. And I want to be here with the club going forward in the next six months.”

O’Dea says that second half performances must improve after losing leads too often in recent games.

“It’s exactly what happens when you are not winning games. Instead of pushing forward anxiety creeps in and you sit back. It is asking for trouble to do that.

“We must put all thoughts about Tuesday’s game at Arsenal to the back of minds as tomorrow’s game is the most important – right now.”