'That's what we're aiming to do...': Ipswich Town defender has this warning for Sunderland

The Tractor Boys currently sit four points clear of the Black Cats having played a game more, and could further stamp their mark on the promotion race with victory at the Stadium of Light.

And Ward believes that such a result would send a clear message to the rest of League One.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times ahead of the game, the full-back said: “It’s two massive clubs who are striving to get back up the leagues. They’ll have the exact same focus on this year that we do – to get promoted.

“It’s a massive game. Logistically for ourselves it’s going to be another tough one, playing Saturday and then having to rest up and get ourselves right to make a decent journey.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They’re a big club. But we go there with a lot of confidence after the weekend and hopefully we can bring back the three points.

“You have to win as many games as possible full stop – against the teams at the bottom, the middle and top,” he continued.

"But definitely you have to beat some of the teams at the top along the way.

“The league is starting to take a bit of shape, there are a lot of teams in good form, so it’s important that you don’t let your standards drop.

“The games against the so-called bigger teams are going to be massive, of course they are, but three points are three points whoever you play against. That’s the way we’ve got to look at it. It’s Sunderland, it’s a massive game, but there’s still the same prize at the end of the 90 minutes.

“There’s belief in the squad after the start we’ve had and the position we are in the league. I don’t really see a reason for us not to believe that we can have a successful season.

“They’re a big side and a big club. Going to Sunderland and winning would be a huge statement, we know that, and that’s what we’re aiming to do.”

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