Luke Hyam is hoping Town can chalk up a third consecutive win, as Blues prepare to welcome Middlesbrough to Portman Road.

The Ipswich-born youngster has built up a good partnership with Andy Drury in the centre of the Town midfield, although admits he didn't picture being in this position a few months back.

"Middlesbrough have been doing really well in the league this season, but we're in good form and looking to make it three wins in a row," the 20-year old told the Club website.

"Andy and I have built up a good relationship on the pitch recently and I think we are working well together.

"Football is a funny old game and a couple of months ago we were both out of favour, with Andy even being away from the Club on loan.

"But we've worked hard, come back in and won our place back in the side and it's up to us to keep performing."

You can hear the full interview with Luke on Ipswich Player now, as well as hearing from manager Paul Jewell ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough in our 'Kick-Off' show.

Team news

Paul Jewell could name an unchanged side as Town welcome Middlesbrough to Portman Road tomorrow. Lee Bowyer is closing in on a return following a groin injury, although tomorrow's game is likely to come too soon. It is expected that Luke Hyam and Andy Drury will continue in the centre of midfield after performing well together recently, while Michael Chopra is again expected to lead the line for Town after his brace against Coventry, which included a last minute winner at the Ricoh Arena.

Tony Mowbray may make changes to the side that were knocked out of the FA Cup by Sunderland in midweek, although striker Lukas Jutkiewicz could again lead the line after scoring against the Black Cats. Former Town loanee Matthew Bates is expected to lead Middlesbrough out as captain at Portman Road tomorrow.

Where they finished last season

Town- 13th

Middlesbrough- 12th

Where they currently stand

Town- 19th

Middlesbrough- 6th

Connections

There have been a number of players to have turned out for both Town and Middlesbrough over the years, most notably including Alun Armstrong, Kevin Beattie, Marcus Bent, Mick McNeil, John O'Rourke, Trevor Putney, John Wark and Phil Whelan.

Current Boro skipper Matthew Bates had a spell on loan with Town, back in 2006, making two appearances in a Blue shirt before returning to the Riverside Stadium through injury.

While the man currently sat in the hot-seat at the Riverside will be no stranger to Town fans. Tony Mowbray spent five years at Portman Road, helping the side win promotion to the Premier League in 2000.

Match Officials

Referee: Dean Whitestone
Assistants: Michael Blackledge and Matt Foley
Fourth Official: Wayne Porter

Live commentary of the game will be available on Ipswich Player, with exclusive Town team news coming direct from the Club's official twitter account, @Official_ITFC.