Kieran McKenna 'excited' to face 'motivated' Brentford side
McKenna's side have had little other than pride to play for since their return to the Championship was confirmed two weeks ago
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is looking forward to facing a "motivated" Brentford at Portman Road on Saturday as he looks to derail the Bees' European ambitions.
The visitors need a win to keep their hopes of finishing in the top eight on track and go into the game off the back of three straight Premier League victories, including a 4-3 win against Manchester United last time out.
McKenna's side have had little other than pride to play for since their return to the Championship was confirmed two weeks ago but with three top-flight games remaining he is looking for his team to make a meaningful contribution.
"I'd rather play Brentford now, when they're going for European football and they've just scored four against Man United and are on a good run, unbeaten," said McKenna. "I'd rather face them with full motivation.
"We know it's going to be a big test and that if we're less than a hundred per cent it won't be anywhere near good enough.
"Those sort of challengers will be the ones that make us stronger for the future."
Town have won only once at home on their return to the Premier League, a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in December, and their form at Portman Road has been one of the key factors in their immediate demotion.
Their return of seven points from 17 matches is the second worst in the league after Southampton, likewise their tally of just 13 goals scored in front of their own fans.
"We've had some really good days there, but we haven't had as many results as we would like," said McKenna, whose side face a trip to Leicester next weekend before finishing their brief top-flight foray at home to West Ham.
"We've got two home games left and that's a big motivation for everyone in the building to fight really hard to give the supporters another good day there.
"It's not going to be easy. We know we're facing a team eighth in the division and pushing for European football."