Ipswich boss makes pre-Sunderland claim plus former Cats striker wants bold selection call

The Tractor Boys have slipped to fourth in League One ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sunderland and have now suffered back-to-back defeats.

Yet Lambert believes he’ll see a reaction from his side at the Stadium of Light, with both clubs battling for promotion.

"The lads will bounce back," said Lambert after Saturday’s defeat.

"They'll bounce back as quick as they can. We're five points off it, it's not a major disaster.

“We've got the Easter period, which will determine a lot of stuff. There's a really long, long way to go."

Sunderland would move level on points with Ipswich with a win next weekend, but will also be looking for a reaction following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth.

Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson will be expected to make changes, with new signings Josh Scowen, Antoine Semenyo, Declan John and Kyle Lafferty all in contention to make their first starts.

Former striker Stephen Elliott, who played for Sunderland under Roy Keane, believes Scowen should be selected against Ipswich, alongside fellow midfielder Ethan Robson who was recently recalled from a loan spell at Grimsby.

After the Portsmouth defeat, Elliott tweeted: “Disappointing result!! Robson and Scowen to start in midfield next week for me. No harm in mixing it up at times. Under Roy he did it at right times when we went up in promotion championship season 2006. Use the squad accordingly. The least Robson deserves is a chance.”