Kieran McKenna Speaks Before Norwich City Clash
Momentum is what Ipswich seek, along with a rare victory on Norfolk soil almost two decades ago. A fresh spark drives Norwich now, determined to hold ground on their own pitch during the most crucial game of the season for both teams. Ahead of the clash, Kieran McKenna delivered a detailed injury update, selection hints and a grounded assessment of what awaits his side in Norfolk. Ipswich Travel to Carrow Road with some knocks, doubts and late calls to make for certain players, the likes of Wes Burns, Azor Matusiwa, Ivan Azon, Ashley Young, Leif Davis and Jaden Philogen "Wes won't be available...
he won't quite make it. "Azor will be a decision tomorrow... thankfully it was just a dead leg. "Ivan will be another decision tomorrow." On Ashley Young: "He's training with a group now...
he adds to the group every single day." On Leif Davis: "He's been training... he'll be in the squad." The winger's MCL injury has been one of the defining absences of the season. "He's getting there... those injuries can be niggly." He took a kick at Millwall, needed more treatment, but came through Monday well.
"We know the immense quality he's got... he's getting a lot closer." "Not hit the heights he would have hoped... the Championship is a challenge." "We still have massive belief in him... a player who can play for big clubs in Europe." "Knee is fine, but he hasn't found consistency." The £10m summer signing returns to the ground he left behind, and McKenna is fully confident in him.
"He's confident but humble... I give him huge credit. "We know he won't get a warm welcome... that's football.
"In terms of temperament, there's not many better." On whether Núñez should wind up the home crowd: "No... I wouldn't want him going into the game thinking that." McKenna rejected the idea that Norwich were weak in October. "They weren't a bad team then... they lost tight games.
"At no stage did I think they were a bad team." He expects a different type of contest, but not a different level of opponent. With games piling up and recovery windows shrinking, McKenna didn't hide the challenge. "The biggest challenge for us is the schedule... the speed they come around is the biggest test." On playing postponed games after the season: "That would be difficult for the integrity of the league." Asked if he's nervous or excited: "A little bit in between...
but it's better than the alternative!" McKenna's message to his players is simple: "Everyone needs to be ready for the atmosphere... the duels, the physicality, the intensity. "Composure is really important. Clarity is really important.
"Focus on executing your job." Twenty years without an Ipswich win in Norwich. McKenna didn't shy away from what it would mean. "It would be brilliant for the club... very special." But he kept the focus where he always does: