Ipswich Town captain Dara O’Shea has called for calm focus and confidence as the club enters the decisive stage of their Championship season, with promotion back to the Premier League within touching distance.
Following a hard-earned goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich have moved back into second place, narrowly edging Millwall on goal difference with two matches remaining. The result leaves Kieran McKenna’s side in a strong position, needing just three more points to guarantee automatic promotion.
Their next challenge comes in a high-stakes trip to Southampton, before a final-day home fixture against Queens Park Rangers. A win in either match would confirm a return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
“We’ve got it in our hands” – O’Shea
O’Shea, who took over the captaincy from Sam Morsy last summer, stressed the importance of maintaining focus rather than getting distracted by permutations or rival results.
“If we were given this at the start of the season, you’d definitely have taken it,” said the 27-year-old defender. “To have it in your hands come the end of the season is the most important thing.”
He added that the squad’s mindset remains firmly fixed on the next challenge rather than outside influences: “I’m not watching any football, I’m focused on us. There’s pressure regardless – we put pressure on ourselves.”
Ipswich were boosted by other results over the weekend, including Millwall being held to a draw by already-relegated Leicester City, but O’Shea insisted that such outcomes do not change the internal approach.
“Pressure is a privilege”
With expectations high following pre-season predictions of an immediate return to the Premier League, Ipswich have embraced the challenge of leading the promotion race.
O’Shea highlighted the squad’s experience and unity as key factors in handling the pressure.
“There’s massive confidence in the group and there always has been,” he said. “We’ve shown great character in moments this season, and Tuesday will be another test of that.”
He also emphasised shared responsibility within the squad, noting that leadership comes in many forms beyond the captain’s armband.
“It doesn’t matter who has the armband on, it’s important we all lead in our own way – whether that’s tackles, duels, or being vocal.”
Eyes on Southampton
Ipswich now turn their attention to Southampton, a fixture O’Shea expects to be one of their toughest tests yet in a tightly contested promotion race that also involves Millwall and other challengers.
“It will be a different test,” he said. “We’ve got to go into it full of confidence, with the right body language, and attack the game.”
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, the message from the Ipswich captain remains simple: stay grounded, stay focused, and finish the job.
“At the end of the day, the only people who are going to do it are ourselves,” O’Shea added. “Pressure is a privilege – it’s where we want to be.”
With promotion within reach, Ipswich Town now face a defining week that could seal their return to the Premier League and cap off a season built on consistency, belief, and resilience.
