“EMBARRASSMENT” has become the buzz word around Portman Road.

Carl Marston

“EMBARRASSMENT” has become the buzz word around Portman Road.

Ipswich Town full-back David Wright is the latest player to describe his anguish at Town's current plight, at the bottom of the Championship with no wins from 14 games.

“We're all feeling embarrassed. And I'll give you an example,” revealed Wright, who has been back in the Town side for the last three games.

“We were just ready to go out for a walk from out hotel at Plymouth last weekend, when this guy came up to us and asked - “Is this going to be your first win?”

“At this point, Grant Leadbitter turned to me and said - “this is really embarrassing!” - and he's right.

“I'm sure that once that first win comes, then we will go on a big run. We just have to get that monkey off our back.

“None of us have ever been in this position before. It's new to all of us, but we have not lost any confidence.

“We have a new manager and so many new players. We were all expecting it to just click, and people were expecting us to be top of the league. But there have been so many changes at this club.

“Once all the cogs are in place, we believe we can go on a run,” added Wright.

Ex-Crewe and Wigan defender Wright had only started two league games this season, before manager Roy Keane finally recalled him to the side for the visit of Swansea City a fortnight ago.

The 29-year-old kept his place for the following 1-1 draws against Watford and at Plymouth, and is now looking forward to tomorrow's visit of Derby County.

“It's great to be back in the team. Like a lot of players, I feel miserable when I'm not playing,” continued Wright.

“It's difficult to keep your spirits up when you have a spell out of the team. The mental side is the biggest thing. You still have to train and play in the reserves games.

“It was, and is hard, but you just have to be as professional as you can. You just have to hope that the manager sees you playing well.

“Personally I'm pleased with how it's going now, but collectively we are still looking for that first win.

“But I've genuinely seen an improvement in our performances, and once we get one win, lots more will follow. Even though we have not won a game yet, we are not cast adrift of the rest. In fact, a couple of wins could move us up five or six places.

“This league is so unpredictable. Who would have predicted that Scunthorpe would have taken six points from their recent games against Newcastle and Sheffield United? Probably no one except Scunthorpe's manager and their players,” added Wright.

Although Town have still not won a game, they have drawn seven of their last 10 matches, and they will fancy their chances of finally breaking their duck against fellow strugglers Derby.

Wright confirmed: “The Derby game is a real chance for us. They have a few injuries, but as players we do not look at that.

“Having a settled back four is a big part of a solid team, because that's how you get to know where your centre-half is. Every manager wants to select a settled back four, which is why Gareth McAuley's injury (out for two weeks) is frustrating.”

Wright also paid tribute to new keeper Asmir Begovic, who has started the last three games following his loan move from Portsmouth.

“He's (Begovic) is good for defenders. He takes the pressure off a bit by coming out to claim crosses. That's a big relief, to hear him shout and then catch the ball.

“But there's no real difference between him and Richard Wright. We are lucky to be blessed with two very good keepers at this club,” concluded Wright.