DAVID Wright hopes that the 2009/10 season will prove a grind.

Elvin King

DAVID Wright hopes that the 2009/10 season will prove a grind.

He has looked at the way unfashionable Burnley gained promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last term and says that Ipswich Town must follow suit.

The Blues full-back expects a tougher test this time round with the current strength of the Premier League such that clubs of the quality of Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and West Brom now find themselves plying their trade in the second tier of English football.

“Burnley had some good players and were a very good team,” said Wright, who is recovering well from a hamstring problem that affected him at the back end of last season.

“But there were times when they had to dig in. Times when to achieve what they did they had to grind out 1-0 victories.

“This proved vital to them in the end, and we must look to do the same. We did it at times last term away from home but not enough overall. Burnley showed what you need to do, and we must learn from them how to gain points when not playing at our best.”

Wright also knows the huge benefit what a good start brings and cites the way that champions Wolverhampton Wanderers got off to a flier and were able to maintain their momentum.

“Once you get on a roll as a team you take some stopping, and this is what happened to Wolves,” said Wright.

“With Coventry away to start off the season and then Leicester City and Crystal Palace at home with respect we have a chance to make an early impact - and then be in a position to keep our foot on the accelerator.

“Wright has welcomed the re-emergence of 22-year-old Canadian international Jaime Peters, who stepped in for the final three games of last year and make a big impression.

“Jaime is a really good lad who trained very well and then took his chance when it presented itself,” he said.