AFTER seeing Ipswich ship eight goals in two games at home, Bryan Klug knows that the free-scoring Luton forwards are looking for a field day at Portman Road on Sunday.

By Derek Davis

AFTER seeing Ipswich ship eight goals in two games at home, Bryan Klug knows that the free-scoring Luton forwards are looking for a field day at Portman Road on Sunday.

Mike Newell's Luton knocked five past Leeds United last weekend and top-scorer Rowan Vine has managed nine goals in 16 games so far this season.

Klug said: “Luton's front six are all capable of scoring goals. They are mobile, have pace and are goal-scorers so it is understandable that they will come here and fancy their chances.

“They will see that we have conceded eight goals in our last two home games and will relish that.

“So it is up to us to stop them, it is as simple as that. We got ourselves in the situation and have to deal with it.”

The Blues assistant manager has warned that the defence needs to tighten up quickly but has stressed that it may take a little time before significant improvement is achieved.

He said: “We want to be a team that is hard to beat but at the same time the amount of bookings we have had is unacceptable. That is not the right way to go.

“To be a team that is hard to play against takes time, it takes organisation and consistency. That is what we are searching for but to reach that you need to be able to field the same team week-in, week-out.

“Colchester United are a good example of that with the results they have had by fielding the same outfield players for 10 games or so. That has been built up, not just over this season but over the past couple of years.

“Good teams have that, Reading got promoted that way but it took three years to do that.

“We have to be patient and be positive. You have to learn the lessons when you get a spanking as we did.

“We don't have two or three years but it won't happen overnight.

“The players need to take responsibility and we need to get there quickly.”

Klug and rookie boss Jim Magilton have been learning on their feet and while things have not gone as well as they would have hoped so far, they have seen encouraging signs.

He said: “The players are working hard in trying to improve and we have made progress.

“We are at about the same mark as we were this time last season but we want to be higher than that and as we continue to improve so we will get more points.”

The Blues are hoping to get a loan player in before Sunday's match, with Reading's John Halls the main target.

They also have Danny Haynes back from his month-long spell at Millwall where he scored twice in five games and will go straight into the 16 for Sunday.

Klug said: “It has worked very well for us. We have not had many reserve games and Danny has played in all five of Millwall's games.

“That was the idea and we have reaped the benefits from him going out on loan.

“If we want an impact payer then we have one now. Danny is a very positive player and will have gained even more by his spell with Willie at Millwall.”

Dan Harding needed a scan yesterday but is hopeful to get the all-clear to play, while Mark Noble is suspended but should be back for Tuesday's match with the extra rest helping him get over a groin strain.

Sylvain Legwinski is carrying an injury, while Jon Macken will miss the next couple of games with a hamstring pull.

As Town have two away games at far-flung Plymouth and then Burnley next week, the full squad is going to be important.

Klug said: “Three games in a short space of time and the travelling involved is another challenge for us.

“We would have liked an extra 24 hours after the Luton game but that is the nature of the business and there is no point in moaning about it we just have to get on with it.”