Ipswich Town were without eight first team players for Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Bristol City, but Kevin Foley insisted the Blues’ injury problems can’t be used as an excuse.

The Blues were beaten by two identical Aden Flint goals at Ashton Gate, with Brett Pitman grabbing a consolation in a game where they were without Ryan Fraser, Cole Skuse, Giles Coke, Luke Hyam, Teddy Bishop, David McGoldrick and Dean Gerken through injury, while Jonathan Douglas was suspended.

That meant Foley (pictured) started the game at right wing-back before switching to the centre of midfield in what was an Ipswich side missing a host of key players, although the Irish international insisted the Blues’ squad was still strong enough to cope.

“We’ve got players injured and suspended and then new players coming in, so it’s always tough, but we have a good enough squad to be able to deal with it,” he said.

“We pride ourselves on set pieces so we were disappointed to concede two identical goals and that’s what cost us in the end.

“We got ourselves back into the game and we could have got something at the end as we had a few chances, but it wasn’t meant to be.”

The Blues aren’t in action again until next Tuesday’s home clash with Hull but, while the break may mean some of the injured players are able to return, Foley would rather be playing right away.

“I’m sure the gaffer will appreciate that (there is no game for 10 days), but on a personal note, if you lose a game you want another really quickly so you can get a good, positive, result,” Foley added.

“We’ll go away and reflect on the game for 10 days, work hard and hopefully come back with a good performance against Hull.

“Hopefully a few of the injured guys will be back for that one.”

Saturday’s game was Foley’s first for the Blues, and his first appearance for eight months following his recovery from a shoulder injury.

“I’ve worked really hard to get myself into good shape and thankfully I have a contract here until the end of the season,” said the Irishman.

“I’ve done everything I can to prove I am good enough to play in the team, so hopefully that can continue.”