ESSEX COUNTY STANDARD TOWN CORRESPONDENT MATT PLUMMER DELIVERS HIS WEEKLY THOUGHTS ON THE NEWS FROM PORTMAN ROAD:

I’m not one to kick a man when he’s down.

But for me, Brian Murphy’s return to fitness can’t come soon enough for Ipswich Town.

The goalkeeper is apparently still a month away, having broken his ankle just before Christmas.

But as and when he gets back in action, I can’t help feeling some healthy competition is long overdue.

Of course, I’m speaking in light of Marton Fulop’s error for the first goal at Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday.

I’m not knocking the Hungarian. He’s been brilliant at times this season and who could forget all those saves in the cup games against Chelsea and Arsenal?

But if I’m completely honest, I can’t say I’ve ever been wholly convinced by the former Sunderland man.

As a shotstopper, he’s great. But when it comes to dealing with crosses and commanding his area, I’m not so sure.

For a big, powerful man, he’s not the bravest and a punched clearance in a recent home game – when he could have caught the ball – left me shifting uncomfortably in my seat.

I’m not saying he should lose his place because by and large, he’s been a dependable figure all season.

But I think he, like any player, would benefit from some competition, to keep him on his toes.

Arran Lee-Barrett appears very much an understudy so in terms of genuine rivalry, we have to wait on Murphy.

When he’s back in the fold, it can only be a good thing for both goalkeepers and also the team.

To be fair, Fulop has played his part in some resolute defensive performances recently.

Prior to Tuesday, Town had only conceded twice in four games, including two clean sheets.

But their main problem at the moment is at the other end, where they’re failing to turn possession and dominance into goals.

Town bossed the first half at Loftus Road and definitely should have beaten Hull on Saturday.

They were far superior for an hour – strangely, up until they scored their goal.

One thing that pleased me was the players’ confidence and willingness to shoot from distance.

It reflected the way the team are playing at the moment – with enjoyment and total freedom.

The one thing missing is a cutting edge and a killer instinct.

If and when they can start firing, they can make even more progress than they have in the last six weeks.