OWEN Garvan would have been happy to take the penalty that would surely have confirmed three points for Ipswich Town in last night's 1-1 Coca-Cola Championship draw with Charlton Athletic at Portman Road.

Elvin King

OWEN Garvan would have been happy to take the penalty that would surely have confirmed three points for Ipswich Town in last night's 1-1 Coca-Cola Championship draw with Charlton Athletic at Portman Road.

Pablo Counago, who had been on the field for just six minutes after replacing a disappointing Jon Stead, saw his 68th minute kick saved by Addicks keeper Nicky Weaver.

Garvan scored Town's goal direct from a 37th minute free-kick to go to the top of the Ipswich scoring charts with five - three in the last two games.

Garvan missed a penalty for the Republic of Ireland two weeks ago but has since said he would be happy to take one for Town although he was never seriously in contention last night.

Regular spot-kick taker Tommy Miller was sitting on the bench, and Garvan said: “The lads were happy for Pablo to take the kick and that was fair enough. The keeper made a good save.”

Garvan and his team-mates were on the receiving end of manager Jim Magilton's frustrations at the end, and the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international could not hide his disappointment at losing two points to an 82nd minute equaliser.

“We created a lot of chances, and then fell victim to a sucker punch,” added Garvan.

“Another day it would have been our day and we put in a lot of effort.

“It is always nice to score, but in the end my goal proved irrelevant because we failed to gain the win we were all seeking to back up Saturday's win.”

And talking about his own form Garvan said: “It is pleasing to be scoring goals but overall I could be better.

“I know there is more to come and this is what I am working hard to achieve.”