Wark backs Scherpen despite criticism

Ipswich Town legend John Wark has backed goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to keep his place against Crystal Palace despite a difficult start in the defeat by Liverpool.

Scherpen was arguably at fault for both of Liverpool's opening goals as Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak combined to put the Reds 2-0 ahead inside the opening nine minutes.

But Wark, speaking on BBC Radio Suffolk, felt the goalkeeper improved as the game went on and believes it would be "a surprise" if he lost his place for Saturday's game at Palace.

"I thought he was poor at the start but he got better," Wark said. "He had a couple of good saves. The goals they gave away were disappointing.

"I just thought everybody would blame him, that's why they're all picking on the goalkeeper."

Looking ahead to the trip to Selhurst Park, Wark said: "It's a massive game. You have to go there, at their own place. I think if we are going to get a chance of winning a game, we have a chance against them."

Ipswich commentator Brenner Woolley thinks Town's next three league games - against Palace, Everton and at home to Fulham offer a good barometer.

He feels Palace and Fulham are among a group of teams in "transitional" stages with new managers, which offers an opportunity.

Woolley said: "We'll have a better idea of where Ipswich are at when the full-time whistle goes at Fulham."

Woolley was also asked some quiz questions about the Selhurst Park trip, including who was Ipswich's last goalscorer in a league match at the stadium.

Tune in to find the answer and hear more questions.