Murphy discusses Ipswich Town’s poor form, whether the Blues are in danger of missing the play-offs and the trip to Huddersfield

Reading's Jake Cooper concedes a corner to halt the run of Daryl Murphy in the first half of the Ipswich Town v Readiing (Championship) football match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 02 February 2016. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

How worrying is the recent run of bad form?

“I wouldn’t say worrying. It’s obviously not nice to be on the back of three defeats, that needs to change and we’ll be working in training to make sure it does.

“It happens in football – you have your blips when things aren’t really going for you. Look back to QPR, we lost there when it could have gone either way, then we lose to Bristol City and Hull. It’s not nice, there’s stuff we need to look at and we know we need to sort it out.

“We’re hoping it’s just a little blip. If we go and get a result Saturday who knows what will happen.

“If you win two or three games in a row then you’re right back in there and you’re thinking ‘what was all the fuss about?’ That’s the league, it always has been.

Are you in danger of missing out on the play-offs?

“Not necessarily, no. This league is mad. Just look at Derby, a month ago they couldn’t buy a win and they’re doing alright again now. It will change for us. It has to.

“We know we’re a good side, but at the minute we’re just not producing. We know we need to up our performances if we’re going to finish in the top six.

Daryl Murphy beats QPR captain Nedum Onuoha to the ball during the second half (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

“We look back at the games and the mistakes; where we concede goals and how we can create more chances. The gaffer always looks at the stats, but it’s up to us as players to turn it around.

“The gaffer has been there and done it and has the knowhow. He’s always said it’s about where you end up at the end of the season and I agree. We’ve still got a good few games yet and hopefully we can turn things around.

How important is the Huddersfield game?

“We need to win. We need the three points if we want to get into the play-offs. We know it will be tough, but every game is tough. The game can’t come quick enough for us.

“We know from last year it’s a hard place to go, but we need a result.

Does a physical style of play make things harder on the body?

“Our style of play is physical, but we’re fit enough to cope with it. We get plenty of rest in between. It worked for us last year and hopefully it will work again.

Would you have welcomed new additions in January?

“It’s up to the manager. He always said if the right players were available he’d try and get them, so he obviously didn’t see anyone that he thought would fit in and improve the team. It’s his call and we obviously respect that.