Mick McCarthy: 'Preston North End draw my fault'

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has said that his side's 1-1 FA Cup third-round draw with League One side Preston North End this afternoon was his fault.

McCarthy changed Ipswich's formation in the build-up to kickoff from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 in an attempt to stifle the opposition, but he admitted after the game that it was a poor decision.

"That's my fault, because I probably picked too many players who haven't played enough," McCarthy told reporters. "It's hard for them. I take responsibility."

Despite his side's poor showing, the 54-year-old said that his side deserved at least a draw.

He said: "It was a fair result. I thought they played well and I thought we were as poor as we've played this year."

Ipswich currently occupy the final playoff spot as they lie sixth in the Championship.