MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate is banking on his side bouncing back to winning ways against Ipswich Town at the Riverside this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Elvin King

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate is banking on his side bouncing back to winning ways against Ipswich Town at the Riverside this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The relegated north-eastern outfit have lost their last two games including a Carling Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Southgate is targeting an average of two points per match and so far so good as far as he is concerned.

They are on course with 10 points from their opening five Coca-Cola Championship games and are in fourth place in the table.

“Our target for winning a place in the top two at the end of the season is two points a game,” said Southgate.

“That would have been good enough to win the Championship last season.

“So far we are on course but consistency is the key and that's why we need to set out our stall to beat Ipswich.

“Obviously we lost our two away games before the international break but we played well enough to win at Forest, and we know we should have got a point at Bristol City.

“The atmosphere is the dressing room is still excellent and this is an opportunity for us to bounce back in front of our own fans.”

Southgate is expected to recall a fit again Brad Jones in goal while midfielder Gary O'Neil has returned to full training following his double hernia operation and is expected to be on the bench.

Defender Shaun St Ledger and striker Caleb Folan are believed to be loan targets that Southgate is trailing and if they have signed in time could feature against the Blues.

Southgate added: “We're still very active trying to strengthen the squad.

“I still only want to bring in the right types and if we bring in loan signings it will be geared towards potential permanent signings at the end of it.

“There's a good chance we could have someone in before the Ipswich game, although whether it will be in time for him to start remains to be seen.”