Out front before Sunday’s meeting with Middlesbrough, Kieran McKenna spoke plainly about injuries, touched on how strong Boro have looked lately, then shifted to what matters most: keeping attention tight as the campaign nears its close.
As ever, the Ipswich boss was calm, detailed and fully locked in on what his side needs to do at Portman Road.
Boro’s Form Doesn’t Change Town’s Approach
Asked about Middlesbrough’s recent run, McKenna was clear: Ipswich’s focus stays on Ipswich.
He acknowledged Boro’s quality “a very tough opponent”
But stressed that form often becomes irrelevant when two top sides meet.
He described Boro as “stylistically dominant” but also a team who’ve dropped points in unusual moments.
The message was simple: respect the opponent, but don’t let them dictate the narrative.
High Praise for Hellberg’s Impact
McKenna spoke at length about Kim Hellberg’s influence,
Calling Boro “arguably the best footballing team in the division” under him.
He highlighted how they’ve evolved through different managers, Carrick’s possession, Edwards’ defensive solidity and now Hellberg’s intense pressing and modern structure.
“They’ve had a good team for a few years and added well. They’ll have our full respect.”
But he also made it clear that Ipswich are a formidable side too, and one of the few teams Boro will face that won’t sit off or change their identity at Portman Road.
Leif Davis Back in Contention After Tricky Period
A major boost for Ipswich comes in the form of Leif Davis, who has returned to training after a whirlwind few weeks involving a three‑match suspension and the birth of his child.
Asked if the left-back was available for Sunday, McKenna confirmed:
“Yeah, he’s been training with us the last few days. He’s a little bit more tired as most new fathers are. This last little period for him has been tricky, no doubt about it.”
McKenna emphasised Davis’ importance to the team and said the club made the right call in allowing him to be with his family on Tuesday night.
“He’s obviously a really important player for us. Tuesday night is what it is. It was the right thing for him to be there to support and to go through that together. Obviously, it was a brilliant moment for them.”
Despite limited minutes recently, McKenna believes the enforced break may work in Town’s favour.
“We’re delighted to have him back in the squad now for Sunday. He hasn’t had as many minutes over the last six weeks as what you’d want, but on the other hand he should be nice and fresh and we’ve got lots of games coming up.”
Matusiwa Improving and Expected To Be Available
McKenna also provided a positive update on Azor Matusiwa, who has been battling a dead leg since the Easter Monday win over Birmingham. The midfielder has played through heavy strapping in recent games but is trending in the right direction.
“He’s in a better place now than he was a week ago. He’ll hopefully be available for the squad.”
Given Matusiwa’s influence at the base of midfield, his availability would be a significant boost for Town heading into a high‑intensity fixture.
Burns Ruled Out After Minor Setback
There was less encouraging news regarding Wes Burns, who remains sidelined with the calf injury sustained at Sheffield Wednesday. McKenna revealed the winger has suffered a small setback.
“He’s had a little setback in his recovery. It’s not anything major, he’s not too far away, but that last little hurdle is tricky.”
Burns will not train with the group on Saturday, which effectively rules him out of Sunday’s match.
“He won’t make it to training with the group tomorrow, which kind of rules him out for Sunday. We’ll see how he is again come Monday.”
Aside from Burns and long‑term absentee Conor Townsend, McKenna confirmed no new injuries since the Portsmouth game.
Town Focused on Themselves, Not the Table
Despite the stakes, McKenna insisted Ipswich’s approach remains unchanged. He hasn’t been studying the table closely, but knows the equation: win all five remaining games and Town will be promoted.
He stressed the importance of not looking too far ahead, especially with a quick turnaround to Wednesday’s trip to Charlton.
“Three points in any game is massive, especially against a team at the top of the division. Let’s give absolutely everything to get a result on Sunday.”
Reverse Fixture Reflections
McKenna felt the earlier meeting between the sides, a 1–1 draw, was closer than the scoreline suggested, pointing to a missed penalty, another that should have been given, and a shot off the bar. He acknowledged Boro are a different team now, but the threats remain similar.
Hannah Darbyshire
I am a 19 year old freelance football writer who covers Ipswich Town’s women’s, men’s, and academy teams. A regular at Portman Road and club fixtures across Suffolk, she brings clear, grounded match coverage shaped by a genuine connection to the game.