IPSWICH skipper Jim Magilton last night revealed what a huge boost the Blues' fans had given him when they chanted his name, even though he failed to reach a ball at Portman Road recently, writes Derek Davis.

IPSWICH skipper Jim Magilton last night revealed what a huge boost the Blues' fans had given him when they chanted his name, even though he failed to reach a ball at Portman Road recently, writes Derek Davis.

Instead of being jeered, as he expected, the crowd sang 'Super Jim Magilton' and that moment encapsulated the togetherness that there now is at Ipswich, which should see them through to the Premiership.

He said: "That made me feel they have taken to me. It made me think that they realise all players have positives and weaknesses, but it was a lovely gesture and gave me a big boost in confidence.

"It was a great slap on the back and I took it as great compliment. If I know they are there for me, then that is half the battle.

"Perhaps we have had our differences but this helps to show that we are all in it together, players, staff, management, board and fans and that this is going to be our year."

The Irishman played a man-of-the- match role in extending Town's lead at the top of the table with two important assists in Darren Currie's brace of goals.

The Town star admits he didn't expect to get the call to arms and accepted being rested for the start of the match.

He said: "There are a lot of good players in this squad who need games. Kevin Horlock has been fantastic for us, so there was no problem in me missing out.

"After 90 minutes on Saturday, and all the travelling, I was surprised when Joe Royle told me I was going on after half-time.

"We are all in this together and if I can make a contribution then so much the better."

This win, along with West Ham and Reading losing, meant the Blues are still on course for promotion and Magilton believes it once again epitomised Town's team spirit.

He said: "I was thrilled for us to get the three points, especially after the other day and it shows a lot about our character that we could come here and do that.

"It was a good, all round team display and we deserved it.

"West Ham and Reading have had home games and lost and that says a lot more about them than us."

He also believes Plymouth will help Town's Premiership quest by taking points off their rivals.

Magilton added: "Plymouth are a good side and are going to take a lot of points off teams here at Home Park, and that will help us.

"On any other day, against a less resilient team, they may well have won the three points."

Next up for Magilton is the FA Cup and Premiership Bolton Wanderers against whom he possibly enjoyed the most incredible day as a Town player - so far.