Ipswich Town defender Josh Earl insists that the team are still aiming to win the League One title this season despite the fact they are currently outside the play-off places.

The Tractor Boys have won just twice since Christmas and a late 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Saturday condemned Paul Lambert's men to a third successive loss.

However, speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, Earl revealed that the team are still aiming high - whilst he also acknowledged tonight is a must-win.

"It's definitely a must win game after three losses - I don't think it's an option really not to get the three points. We're struggling a bit at the minute, but top two is definitely still the aim. We've still got every chance of going up automatically, never mind the play-offs.

"With the players we've got and the way the manager wants us to play, there's no reason we can't go and win this league. I do think we've got by far the best team in the league."

Earl has played just once in the league since joining from Preston on loan but he will hope to be in from the off tonight as Lambert considers changes to end this poor run.

The verdict

Comments like this will frustrate the fans and it's really hard to understand why players say such things as it just puts more pressure on the team.

Even though the eight-point gap to top could be caught, the reality is that Ipswich are not playing well enough right now to be talking about winning the league.

They need to focus on getting back to winning ways tonight and then concentrate on the next game. Setting bold targets like this can come back to bite you quickly.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.