Redknapp(ski) praises Ipswich's passing in: close game

Last updated : 09 January 2006 By Russell Claydon
Currie believes Town can push up the table
Portsmouth boss, Harry Redknapp said after Town pushed his Portsmouth side all the way in the FA Cup Third round: "It was close game. You could see them scoring near the end but we managed to get through in the end.

"They passed it better than us for long spells but lacked that cutting edge up front. It was a great ball from Matthew Taylor and it was a good header."

Meanwhile, it was a case of the same old story for Royle, as he was pleased with the performance but again highlighted the need for a cutting edge, a problem which he hopes to sole this week, he said: "I am looking to bring one forward [Cardiff's Alan Lee] in next week - but I won't be spending roubles. Harry is about to start playing fantasy football and good luck to him.

"I need a hardy pro up there who can keep the ball. We need two more strikers and we will be a force to be reckoned with.

"Williams had a great chance and that would have changed the game. We passed and probed, we hit the post and flashed one wide. We just didn't have that cutting edge."

Darren Currie, who hit the post for Town, drew positives from the way Ipswich were not overshadowed by their Premiership opponents, he told the club website: "We can take a lot from our performance, you wouldn't have known they were in the Premiership and we were in the Championship, there was nothing between the sides.

"The performance was another sign that we are heading in the right direction and that the confidence is returning to the side.

"Scott Barron did well again and Danny Haynes worked really well upfront and you can see the youngsters growing with every game.

"Portsmouth's quality only showed in the fact that they had two chances and took one and if we can add to our striking options and get someone in to convert our chances, there is no reason why we can't push up the table quickly."

Ipswich will hope to begin their push up the table with Sheffield United the visitors to Portman Road on Saturday.