IPSWICH Town midfielder David Norris spent an hour with the Peak family yesterday and apologised for his 'handcuffs' goal celebration after scoring the winning goal at Blackpool on November 8.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town midfielder David Norris spent an hour with the Peak family yesterday and apologised for his 'handcuffs' goal celebration after scoring the winning goal at Blackpool on November 8.

Norris, who was given a rough ride by Doncaster Rovers supporters during Saturday's 1-0 Coca-Cola Championship defeat at the Keepmoat Stadium, travelled to Manchester with two members of staff from Portman Road.

A club spokesman said: “David spent an hour with Phil and Amanda Peak in Manchester and apologised to the family.

“He appreciated the opportunity to do that.”

Norris had previously sent a letter expressing his regret at his actions, and has received a letter back from the Peaks thanking him.

Norris' 'celebrations' were aimed towards his former Plymouth Argyle team mate Luke McCormick, who was jailed for over seven years after a road accident that caused the death of the Peaks' sons Aaron, 10, and Ben, eight and left Mr Peak with severe injuries.

The player, who Town paid £2million for last January, was fined a maximum two weeks' wages by Ipswich for his actions that caused a national storm.

Norris is expected to remain in the Blues side for Saturday's home league game against fast-rising Derby County.

And first team coach Bryan Klug sees the visit of the Rams as the first of four defining matches.

Klug said: “We are in for a big challenge, and the players are relishing the task.

“In four fixtures' time we will know more about where we are.”

After entertaining Derby, Ipswich visit second-placed Birmingham next Tuesday and then entertain top-six Sheffield United on Saturday week.

And the following weekend they travel to Norfolk to lock horns with arch rivals Norwich City at Carrow Road.

“Paul Jewell has Derby flying,” said Klug.

“And Birmingham will give us one of our stiffest away tests, while Sheffield United are building up a head of steam. And we all know the importance and the tension that will surround the Canaries game.

“The Championship is so competitive that you cannot play well all the while.

“The secret - like leaders Wolves have done after a couple of defeats - is to bounce back and to grind our results when not playing well.”

Town fans were left bitterly disappointed after Saturday's dismal display in the 1-0 defeat at rock bottom Doncaster.

Despite losing just one of their previous 12 league games and going two games without conceding a goal, manager Jim Magilton appears to be back to where he was a few weeks ago in the eyes of many fans.

He has still got to prove to them that he has the tactical nous and managerial ability to capitalise on the money invested by club owner Marcus Evans and make Town into a serious promotion force.