WOOD SO EAGER TO HELP BLUES’ CHARGE

IPSWICH’S new loan signing Chris Wood says he’s not just content with beating ‘Old Farm’ rivals Norwich today – he wants a win to help catapult the Tractor Boys into the Premier League.

The 23-year-old striker has signed on loan from Premier League side Leicester until the end of the season.

And after making just one start for the Foxes this season, Wood is eager to make up for lost time.

“I’m looking forward to helping out and hopefully playing a part in getting Ipswich promoted,” Wood said after signing on Friday. “The lads are flying at the moment and it’s a great group to be joining.

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead and playing games is what I’m after. Leicester have let me go out on loan and I’m convinced Ipswich will be the right club for me.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and hopefully I can play a part in the derby.”

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has long admired Wood’s goal-scoring abilities and will hope he can form a formidable partnership with in-form Daryl Murphy.

McCarthy has had to put up with injury problems of late and there were only 18 first-team players available for Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Birmingham.

Midfielders Darren Ambrose and Stephen Hunt, as well as strikers Noel Hunt and David McGoldrick, are sidelined, meaning Wood may have a chance to play.

Ipswich’s last derby win came in their 3-2 victory at Portman Road back in April 2009 but the Tractor Boys head into this fixture in good form having won three of their last four games.

Wood teams up with fellow New Zealand international Tommy Smith at Portman Road.

“I spoke to him about everything concerned with the club and everything he said was positive,” he added.