Ipswich Town head into the weekend looking to respond with authority, and Kieran McKenna’s pre‑match press conference set the tone for what’s ahead.
With Preston arriving at Portman Road fresh from a poor performance, McKenna stressed the need for intensity, focus and respect for the opposition. He also delivered a full rundown on injuries, squad availability,
Dan Neil’s readiness, Christian Walton’s new deal, Kasey McAteer’s development and the club’s position heading into the final days of the transfer window offer clarity at a crucial point in the season.
Kieran McKenna opened his pre‑match briefing by confirming that Cedric Kipré is fully fit, with his withdrawal last weekend purely a tactical response to a booking. There are no injury concerns for the defender.
The attacking options remain slightly stretched. Jaden Philogene and Marcelino Núñez are both making encouraging progress but will not feature tomorrow.
McKenna hopes to have them available for the Wrexham cup tie, and hinted that one of them could even be involved on Tuesday.
Chuba Akpom has trained, giving McKenna a decision to make on his involvement, while Ashley Young will see a specialist as the club continues to assess his situation.
New signing Dan Neil has trained all week and will be part of the squad tomorrow. McKenna acknowledged that Neil is short of match minutes but praised his sharpness and work ethic since arriving.
Town moved for Neil after allowing Cameron Humphreys to leave, leaving them light in central midfield. With Núñez increasingly viewed as a No.10 option,
Neil becomes the fourth senior midfielder in the rotation. McKenna said he is “delighted to bring him in, adding that Neil has fitted in seamlessly with the group.
Christian Walton’s new contract was another key talking point. McKenna spoke warmly about the goalkeeper’s journey, noting that Walton has been “through what the club has been through, every step of the way.”
He highlighted Walton’s professionalism, patience and the impact he has made since returning to the starting XI. Walton, in turn, wants to remain at the club for the foreseeable future, a commitment McKenna clearly values.
McKenna offered a detailed reflection on Kasey McAteer, praising the winger’s progress both on and off the pitch. He described McAteer as a late developer, “absolutely rapid,” two‑footed, and possessing qualities that are “really hard to find.”
Arriving late in the window from a Championship rival, McAteer has been adapting under the weight of expectation. McKenna stressed that even top players take time to hit their stride and that McAteer needs both support and pushing.
The return of Wes Burns adds competition. Burns brings goals, promotions and the backing of the crowd, and McKenna reminded everyone that Burns was playing right‑back at 24, proof that trajectories can change quickly.
Reflecting on the previous meeting — a narrow 1–0 defeat — McKenna admitted it came at a difficult moment but insisted it could have gone differently.
He warned strongly against complacency. Preston is coming off their worst performance of the season, a scenario McKenna dislikes facing. He described them as a “very capable side” and emphasised that tomorrow will not be an easy, comfortable win. The onus, he said, is on his players to bring the intensity required to overcome them.
With three days left in the window, McKenna struck a calm, grounded tone. He said “ something may happen”, but he’s not expecting his phone to ring “in the next 10 minutes.”
He reiterated that the club has already strengthened with Mehmeti and Neil, and while they continue to look for players who can genuinely add to the group, he is comfortable if no further signings arrive.
On Szmodics, McKenna said there is little new to report. The club has made one or two offers that Ipswich does not currently find acceptable. If nothing changes, Szmodics will remain and compete for his place. And if he does leave, McKenna suggested it is unlikely Town will replace him, given the imminent returns of Philogene and Núñez.
He also confirmed Elkan Baggott is expected to stay for the remainder of the season.
