Mick McCarthy: 'We deserve our playoff place'

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has insisted that his side deserve their place in the Championship playoffs despite their final-day defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

McCarthy's side fell to a 3-2 defeat as goals from Jordan Rhodes, Craig Conway and Rudy Gestede fired Gary Bowyer's men to three points even though Daryl Murphy notched a brace at Ewood Park.

As a result, the Tractor Boys finished in sixth place, beating out Wolverhampton Wanderers to the final spot on goal difference to earn a shot at promotion to the Premier League.

McCarthy told Sky Sports News: "Yes [relief] but delight as well because we had to remind ourselves in the dressing room we're in the playoffs, and deservedly so because with 78 points we deserve it over the season.

"It's inspirational, I think, the thought of going into them [playoffs]. I don't think anybody gave us a chance at the start of the season. I think everybody's seeing what we're made of.

"We weren't great today but kept going and could have got back in it. I'd like to have done it on our own merits but the play-offs is something to relish and look forward to."

Ipswich play bitter rivals Norwich City in their playoff semi-final clash.