By Aston
December 23 2004

Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle has challenged his squad to prove that they are the best team in the league after reaching top spot in the Championship.

Joe: Prove You’re The Best

Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle has challenged his squad to prove that they are the best team in the league after reaching top spot in the Championship.

Town replaced Wigan at the top of the table after beating the Latics 2-1 at Portman Road on Tuesday night.

Joe: “You could say we've done the easier part in getting there - clearly the hard part is to stay there over the remaining 22 games.

“The challenge now, is for the players to show they are the real deal and continue their amazing feat of leading the Championship going into the second half of the season. They know they are there to be shot at.

“There is an extra incentive for all our future opponents - to beat the leaders - but that's what comes with being on top and we will have to cope with it.”

Royle admits he unlikely to play the same team for all the games over Christmas and new year adding: “I can't expect them all to play all the games, especially at the high tempo we tend to play.

“The games are coming thick and fast, so I would expect to rest players along the way. That is particularly the case in midfield.

“Signing young Daniel Karbassiyoon on loan from Arsenal gives us extra options in that area and at the back.

“The kid has given up his Christmas for us, so he will definitely feature at some stage.”

Source: Evening Star

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