NOTTINGHAM Forest travel to Portman Road to play Ipswich Town tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) still unbeaten away from home in the Coca-Cola Championship this season.

Elvin King

NOTTINGHAM Forest travel to Portman Road to play Ipswich Town tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) still unbeaten away from home in the Coca-Cola Championship this season.

They drew 1-1 at Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend and manager Billy Davies is expecting his team to become more clinical as the campaign progresses.

The Forest boss praised Wes Morgan and Luke Chambers for their defensive partnership against the Owls, and added:

“Wes Morgan is looking fitter and stronger, without a doubt - but it is not just him, it is Luke Chambers as well.

“They have both been first-class; they have really been playing well.

“They are forging a good partnership in the centre of defence, but it can get better.

“It was a gritty team performance, although we did give the ball away too much at times.”

Skipper Paul McKenna has backed up his manager's confidence in his rearguard and is convinced Forest will frustrate the opposition more if they can continue to produce the same level of defending.

“Credit to the lads at the back, because they have done well,” said McKenna.

“We have had three or four own goals this season which, although not ideal, does show that the lads have been in the right places to make blocks and get in the way - they just have not had that bit of luck you also need.

“Teams are not carving us open, with the exception of Watford. Other than that we have not had too many defensive issues. We look very solid.”

McKenna believes Forest will only get stronger as the likes of Kelvin Wilson, Joel Lynch and Julian Bennett regain fitness and spark a fight for places.

“We have had a few long-term injuries to contend with, but we are getting there,” he said.

Striker Nathan Tyson missed Saturday's game after becoming a father again on Friday evening while Radoslaw Majewski was injured in training.

“I'm hoping Mrs Tyson will give her husband permission to play against Ipswich,” said Davies. “Raddy has a medial knee ligament knock and will be out for two or three weeks.”