Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has managed in the Championship long enough to know that it’s pointless making predictions at this stage of the season.

The Yorkshireman, who led both Sunderland and Wolves to second-tier titles, saw his Blues side slip to fourth place following Saturday’s goalless draw at Bolton.

Despite the fact that his side dominated the second half, home keeper Andy Lonergan making two fine saves from Jay Tabb, the ever level-headed McCarthy was more than happy to come away with a point against a side that are now unbeaten in six.

With Bournemouth and Middlesbrough the new top two, and the likes of Brentford, Watford and Norwich all making ground following wins, the Blues boss said: “I’m looking at Middlesbrough, Derby and Bournemouth and thinking they’re the best sides. They may well pull away. Maybe we will as well. I don’t really forecast what’s going to happen. We’ll just keep trying to do what we’re doing.

“You’ve known me for two years now, you know I don’t ever get carried away because there’s a kick up the arse waiting for you all the time in this league.

“It’s just a matter of keeping going. This league is relentless. You’ve got to be ruthless and take your chances when they come. You have to be on blob every week. If you just let your guard down you get beat and can suddenly go two or three games without a win.”

With Middlesbrough arriving at Portman Road on Saturday, fresh from their 2-0 home win over previous league-leaders Derby, McCarthy continued: “If you know me, you’ll know I don’t give it that much thought about how much we can achieve.

“We set off at the start of the season wanting to win the league. Whether that’s realistic or not, who knows, but you always work down from there.

“Did I think that would be the case at the start of the season? Probably not. But you just try and finish as high as you can.

“I’m very fortunate with the players that I’ve got. They’ve all got a good work ethic and a good manner about them. That makes up for a lot that, believe me.

“Have we got the squad to cope? Again, I don’t know. We’ll find out won’t we? The guys are alright. They are good specimens and if we can keep them all fit then we’ll be okay.”