Ipswich Town centre-forward James Norwood has sensationally revealed he has been playing at around '50 per cent' for the Tractorboys, due to niggling injury issues.

Paul Lambert's Ipswich started off the season well, much like Norwood, but have curtailed off badly in recent months and now currently sit in tenth spot, seven points off the play-off places.

Norwood enjoyed a fruitful start, netting five goals in six games but after injuries affected him, his form dipped and he struggled to consistently score.

Speaking to Andy Warrren of the East Anglian Daily Times, Norwood said:“The problem was going on since September really and then I tore my groin,”

“I was taking three or four pills a day to be able to train and play and before I had my first operation (in October) I had injections before games. I grew up in a place where ‘if you’re injured, you play’ and I was probably doing myself a disservice with my performances from that time on because I wasn’t able to do anything I wanted to do.

“I was probably playing at about 50 per cent really. It impacted any form of running and I couldn’t really kick a ball with my left foot. Changing direction and jumping was hard – pretty much everything.

Can you name these 15 ex-Ipswich Town centre-backs? Have a go now!

“Sometimes the pain killers worked, sometimes they didn’t and it was just a case of trying to get lucky for a game.

These comments by Norwood will naturally create a number of questions, should Norwood have been more honest and not played amid his injuries? Was Lambert at fault here for allowing him to play? Should Ipswich have strengthened up-front in January?

The comments have sparked an immediate response from many Town fans in the Ipswich Town FC Forum Facebook page, with many left somewhat perplexed at the comments from Norwood, here is a selection of the responses....

Craig Vearer: Unbelievable and he did not strengthen in Jan? and lambert all season saying he would not play unfit players another statement on how bad our club is being run

Fizz Andy: very clear he wasnt right for a long period. The lack of power in shooting was clear, for me it comes down to poor management from Lambert

Neil Woodward: Said exactly the same in the junior blues press conference before the last home game .

Brad Bullock: Surely he couldn’t of been injured otherwise they wouldn’t of played him. I think he’s out of his depth and expectations were far too high for his capability. Puts himself about but that’s about it.

Adam James Smith: Injured people play all the time. In fact most have slight niggles every game

Jeff Norman: If this is true, this will explain why I have been less than impressed by him this season. Roll on next season...whenever that will be!

Chris Woollam: Well now he's got time to get himself back to 100%!