Soccer

Kieran McKenna insists Ipswich will not be fuelled by a ‘sense of injustice’

The Tractor Boys were denied by Jordan Ayew’s late equaliser for Leicester and were left seething after Conor Chaplin was denied a penalty.

Kieran McKenna has shrugged off last week’s penalty controversy
Kieran McKenna has shrugged off last week’s penalty controversy (Rhianna Chadwick/PA)

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna insists his side will not be fuelled by a “sense of injustice” when they travel to Tottenham on Sunday in search of their first Premier League win at the 11th attempt.

The Tractor Boys were denied by Jordan Ayew’s late equaliser for Leicester on Saturday and were left seething after Conor Chaplin was denied a penalty then Kalvin Phillips was subsequently sent off.

McKenna and other leading club officials met with referees’ chief Howard Webb at Portman Road on Wednesday to discuss the incidents and perceived inconsistencies that have cost the side so far in this campaign.

Kieran McKenna met referees’ chief Howard Webb this week
Kieran McKenna met referees’ chief Howard Webb this week (John Walton/PA)

McKenna told a press conference: “Of course there was a big sense of injustice in the group on Saturday.

“That was still probably there on Monday, but we addressed it and full focus has been on what we can control and preparing as well as we can for Tottenham, and not wasting any energy on anything in the past or anything that we can’t control now.

“So that’s where the group’s at, and we’re looking forward to this weekend. In terms of of other things, as we the week has gone on, it’s certainly not been prominent in my mind.”

Kalvin Phillips is suspended for Ipswich’s trip to Tottenham
Kalvin Phillips is suspended for Ipswich’s trip to Tottenham (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Phillips will be absent for the trip to north London due to suspension, but otherwise McKenna has no new injury concerns, whilst absent trio Axel Tuanzebe, Jacob Greaves and Jack Taylor continue to make good progress.

The upcoming two-week break will give all three the chance to complete their respective recoveries and McKenna hopes they will be in contention for their clash with Manchester United at Portman Road in a fortnight’s time.

“Axel’s had a cast fitted now, so he’s able to join in in some contact training and will definitely be fine after the break, unless there are any issues,” said McKenna.

“Jacob is almost in full training, not full training yet, and Jack Taylor will hopefully commence training over the international break.”