Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has warned supporters that the next three matches will be as tough as any they’ve played this season.

Having won 3-1 at struggling Millwall on Saturday, the second-place Blues face 19th-place Brighton – at The Amex Stadium – tonight (7.45pm ko). Then, after a blank weekend, they host Wigan (23rd) before travelling to Rotherham (21st).

“They’re easy are they – the games against teams at the bottom?” said McCarthy, when the aforementioned was pointed out at yesterday’s pre-match press conference.

“I seem to remember when I came here we were bottom and we won a few games. It’s so tough facing teams down there at this stage because they’re fighting for their lives.

“I remember, in my first season here, that it took 55 points to stay in the league. Every week we’d come off after a good result and everyone else down there had won as well. It was just crazy.

“I don’t see anything different now. There’s not a lot between us all.

“I won’t be thinking these matches are any easier than playing Brentford or Wolves or Derby or Middlesbrough or any of those top teams. That would be wrong.

“We’ll prepare exactly the same as we always do.”

He continued: “We had two tough games, lost narrowly to Derby and Southampton (both 1-0 at home) and then got back on track with the win at Millwall.

“That was a hard game considering the circumstances. And I think Brighton could be harder still actually.”

The Seagulls may have only two home league wins to their name this season, but they have improved since former Norwich boss Chris Hughton replaced Sami Hyypia as manager.

“Chris is a good friend of mine from our time playing together for the Republic of Ireland,” said McCarthy. “He’s a very, very good coach, manager and football man. I’m sure he’ll get them going.”

– See today’s EADT and Ipswich Star for full match preview.