RICHARD Naylor revealed today that he was determined to prove his mate Jim Magilton wrong.They used to share a room on away trips before Magilton took over the managerial reins.

By Elvin King

RICHARD Naylor revealed today that he was determined to prove his mate Jim Magilton wrong.

They used to share a room on away trips before Magilton took over the managerial reins.

For a couple of games in October, Naylor was not even in the final squad and he made just one start in nine consecutive matches.

But since returning to the side at Derby at the end of November, Naylor has been an ever-present and earning rave reports culminating in being Town's man of the match in windy conditions at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

“No player is happy when he is out of favour, but I did not mope,” said Naylor.

“I worked harder in training determined to impress the gaffer and prove him wrong.

“In the course of a playing career you have ups and downs and at times you have to fight for your place - to re-prove what you are capable of.”

Town's longest-serving player held his place when David Wright made his debut in the troublesome right-back position on Saturday.

It was Alex Bruce who made way after filling in at right-back in recent weeks.

“We showed on Saturday how close we are to being a very good side,” added Naylor.

“In the final third we are not functioning as we would like. We need to get more balls into the six-yard box.

“What we need is a scruffy goal or two. This could start the ball rolling.”

Matt Richards confirmed that it was only his disappointment at coming off that led to a minor exchange of words after he was replaced by Danny Haynes after 61 minutes at Sunderland.

“There was no problem,” said Richards. “It was bitterly disappointing not to gain a result.

“The wind was a massive problem. The ball blew off in all directions and there was litter all over the pitch. It was very difficult to play decent football.

“In the circumstances we can be pleased with our performance. We had a lot of chances and played all the football in the second half.”

Keeper Lewis Price said: “We have two home games this week, and if we can make Portman Road a fortress in two weeks' time we can be in the last 16 of the FA Cup and a few places up the tables.

“It is in our own hands - and we can take positives out of the Sunderland game.”