Magilton backs Saints survival

Former Saint Jim Magilton heaped praise on Southampton's performance at Portman Road, despite his obvious disappointment with his own side's display.

Magilton made 156 appearances for the Saints during a three year spell at the south coast club from 1994-1997, and the Ipswich boss admitted after the game that his side deserved exactly what they got.

"The team with the greatest desire wins games of football, and Southampton had it in abundance. They were ravenous and we were second best, to a man.

"It was three goals going on six. We didn't look as though we had a goal in us. You looked at their strike partnership, you looked at some of their lads who had been in oblivion before the new manager came in. They showed a willingness and a desire.

"They put on the shirt and wore it with absolute pride. Credit to them because they were outstanding whereas we were shockingly bad."

After seeing his playoff chasing side emphatically beaten, Magilton admitted he was surprised that Mark Wotte's side were at the wrong end of the table.

"They beat Preston, they beat Cardiff and then they come to Ipswich and win. I'm amazed (that they're down there) because the last three performances have been outstanding haven't they? Maybe we underestimated them and got spanked because of it," he said.

"I think Southampton can survive, certainly," he continued. "Their attitude and their application were second to none and they've got alot of quality.

"In Jason Euell and Marek Saganowski they have two lads who are potent and look a real danger. They have youth, energy and desire and they've got an outstanding goalkeeper who will stand them in good stead. I wish them well."

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