Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna looks ahead to Championship game away at Blackburn Rovers

Kieran McKenna is not expecting an easy ride when he takes his Ipswich Town side to face Blackburn Rovers tomorrow afternoon.

While Valerien Ismael’s team have made an inconsistent start to the new Championship season, their last two victories have been eye-catching away wins over Hull City and Watford.

“We’re expecting a tough game,” said McKenna. “I don't think there’s going to be another category of game this year, to be honest. Every game is going to be tough. This is no exception.

“It’s a different Blackburn team than the one we faced a couple of years ago. Probably only a few of the same players, but a good manager, an experienced manager at the level.

“Lots of good players, have pushed on with their international recruitment as well, so lots of players from different backgrounds.

“They’ve got some real qualities in the team, they’ve shown that in a couple of their games. Big win at Hull and a big win at Watford as well in their last two away games.

“Of course, for every other team, every game is really competitive, so it’s hard to win back-to-back, but that's what we have to try to do this weekend.

“There’s no doubt they’re a team with a good manager, good organisation, good individual players and they’re going to give us a big test this weekend.”

Ipswich will make the trip north buoyed by recording their first win of the season last time out – a 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United under the lights at Portman Road.

McKenna added: “There’s been a really good energy, but there was before again, to be honest. I think we’re pretty good at that in general here, keeping things level and keeping things positive.

“We’ve actually had that feeling since the international break. The group was in a really positive mindset and looking forward to what’s ahead.

“And of course, when you get a really good result like that and enjoy the performance, an enjoyable game, it gives everyone a little bit of confidence in the direction of travel and just a good feeling amongst the group.

“It's been a good week of work here. We’re all really, really conscious that it’s one good game, one good result, the first game really for this group. So it’s a good way to start that next chapter.

“But it’s only one game, so everyone is focused on training and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”