Ipswich not yet 'complete' team - McKenna

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna says his team are still a long way from being the finished article, despite a five-match unbeaten run in the Championship.

Town's 3-1 win over Norwich in the East Anglia derby just before the international break, their third victory in four games, put them ninth in the table.

And they will climb into the top six if they can inflict a first home defeat of the season on second-placed Middlesbrough on Friday.

"I think there's different types of identity in terms of how you want the team to play on a consistent basis," McKenna told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"Are there are phases of games or periods when we've been a front-footed, exciting, attacking team? Yes. Are there periods of great, spirit and togetherness in the team? Yes.

"But it takes longer for a team to show those things consistently, week after week, two games a week in all sorts of conditions, on good days and bad days, that takes longer to build.

"There's been some promising signs, but in terms of being a really complete group in all aspects, I think we've still got a long way to go."

McKenna said there were "quite a few knocks and issues" following the Norwich game but the break had given those not on international duty time for treatment.

His entire squad was not due back until Wednesday afternoon, so there will only be a short time for him to get everyone together again before the trip to Teesside.

"It's given us time with some individuals to work a little bit more specifically on the grass. We had some 11 v 11s last week so it's been a productive spell, more on an individual basis," he said.

Defender Harry Clarke, who has not played yet this season because of a knee problem, is nearing full fitness and McKenna also hopes Wales midfielder Wes Burns may be back in a few weeks after damaging an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in January.

On the game against Middlesbrough, McKenna said: "They are a very good team, solid and strong in all phases of the game. At home they've been giving away very few chances and been really stable.

"Friday nights after international duty are tough but at the same time it dials everyone in straight away and it's something to look forward to tackling."

Boro will be without former Ipswich defender George Edmundson, who had to go off in the match against Stoke City at the end of September because of a hamstring injury.

"I know a few of the lads and staff are in contact with him a fair bit. It's a shame he's picked up a little injury, but you're always going to be happy if he's not on the other side of the pitch to you because he's a good player," McKenna added.