Dan Neil believes Jack Clarke could be the player who drives Ipswich Town back to the Premier League after praising the winger’s standout performance in the Blues’ 1–1 draw with Millwall F.C..
Clarke continued his excellent season by scoring his 14th goal of the campaign, giving Ipswich the lead just before half-time at Portman Road. Cutting in from the left wing, the attacker unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike that beat Millwall goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Neil, who previously spent years playing alongside Clarke at Sunderland A.F.C., believes the performance was the best he has seen from the winger.
“That was probably the best Jack Clarke performance I’ve seen since I’ve been back playing with him,” Neil said. “He was direct and the right-back looked scared when he had the ball.”
The midfielder went even further, claiming Clarke is the most dangerous winger in the league when he is at his best.
“When Clarkey’s on it, he’s by far the best winger in this league. We need to keep feeding him the ball in dangerous areas because he can be the difference maker for us.”
Neil Finding His Rhythm
After spending much of the first half of the season on the bench, Neil is beginning to regain match fitness and confidence. The 24-year-old started his second consecutive game against Millwall and has recently formed a promising partnership with midfielder Azor Matusiwa.
Neil praised his teammate’s quality and work rate.
“Azor’s the ultimate professional. Technically he’s brilliant at taking the ball from the back four and moving us forward. He’s also a destroyer in midfield with interceptions and winning second balls.”
As the pair continue building chemistry, Ipswich hope the midfield stability will strengthen their push for automatic promotion.
Promotion Race Still Tight
Ipswich missed a chance to climb into second place after drawing with Millwall, especially as promotion rivals Middlesbrough F.C. were held to a goalless draw by Blackburn Rovers F.C..
Despite the disappointment, Neil remains optimistic. Ipswich are still just behind the promotion places and hold a game in hand on their rivals, while league leaders Coventry City F.C. continue to set the pace.
“When you see Middlesbrough have drawn, it maybe feels like an opportunity missed,” Neil admitted. “But it’s still another point on the board and we’re in a good position.”
Busy Run-In Ahead
The Blues now face a demanding end to the season, with eight games in just 27 days after the international break. Their schedule includes difficult away trips to Portsmouth F.C., Charlton Athletic F.C. and Southampton F.C..
Neil believes the squad must adopt a tougher mentality on the road if they are to secure automatic promotion.
“Away from home it’s a different mentality. We need that siege mentality and stick together,” he said.
With the season reaching its decisive stage, Ipswich know every point will matter. And if Clarke continues producing moments of brilliance, Neil believes the Blues have a real chance of returning to the Premier League. ⚽🔥
