Marek Cech keen to be a cup winner

Albion defender Marek Cech today insisted winning the Carling Cup would be "a big deal" for the Baggies as they prepare for quarter-final action.

The Slovakia international is keen for the club to move one step closer to a Wembley with victory at Portman Road this evening.

"I know it does not have the same tradition as the FA Cup but it's something that has some tradition now," he said.

"Everybody wants to be a winner, and if we could be winners in the Carling Cup that would be a big deal for me and a good achievement for the club.

"It would be good for every player inside the club.

"We would like to continue our good performances in the Carling Cup and win the game. Hopefully we will get through and be one step closer to the final."

However, Cech is not expecting an easy game from the Tractor Boys.

"Every game is dangerous," he said.

"Nowadays it is very hard to win games because everybody has good teams and they are all well prepared.

"For sure it won't be an easy game, especially because it's away."

Town head into the match with a string of players missing.

Goalkeeper Marton Fulop has an ankle injury meaning he joins Connor Wickham, Gareth McAuley, Tom Eastman, Mark Kennedy and Luke Hyam in the treatment room.

On-loan Baggies full-back Gianni Zuiverloon is cup-tied along with fellow loanees Rory Fallon, Jake Livermore and Jack Colback while Damien Delaney serves a one-match ban.

Centre-back Darren O'Dea is also on standby to return to his home city of Glasgow, where is wife is due to give birth, but he is expected to play unless the call comes before the game.

The Tractors Boys go into the match with former Ipswich Town player and coach Bryan Hamilton calling on the club's board to give manager Roy Keane continued time and support.

Sunday's 4-1 defeat by Norwich City extended Town's losing streak to four games and heaped more pressure on Keane.

"Roy Keane needs help at the moment," said Hamilton, who played over 150 games for Ipswich.

"He needs it from his players, staff, chairman and chief executive."