Former Blues loanee Jon Macken predicts a brighter future for Town ahead of Saturday's home game against his Barnsley side.

The Tykes' striker, who spent three months on loan at Portman Road in the 2006/07 season, admits he is surprised to see the Club at the wrong end of the table but thinks fortunes will turn around.

"I still believe Ipswich are on the way up," says Macken, who scored Barnsley's winner against Town earlier this season, in an interview in Saturday's matchday programme.

"Their problem has clearly been all these games drawn, which is a lot of points to give away. Yes, they lost in the week to Watford, but their record before that hasn't been too bad at all.

"I'm expecting a tough game, as it always is when you come to Portman Road.

"I loved my time at Ipswich and have nothing but good things to say about the club.

"Ipswich have been down at this level for a number of years now without always getting the rewards. I hope they do eventually turn things around and push for the Premier League because a club of their stature, with the fans they have, deserve success."