As Ipswich Town gears up for their Championship opener against Birmingham City tomorrow night, defender Dara O’Shea exudes confidence in the squad’s readiness. Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash at Portman Road, O’Shea highlighted the positive atmosphere within the team and their eagerness to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season.
Squad Competition
“I think we’re in a really good place at the moment,” O’Shea said, reflecting on the team’s preparations. The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who joined Ipswich last summer, emphasized the healthy competition within the squad as a driving force. “There’s lots of competition which is great for the squad, it’s going to push each other on,” he noted. This depth, he believes, will be crucial as Ipswich aim to make a strong start in their bid for promotion.
🗣️ "We'll be ready. Hopefully we can put a good performance in."
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) August 6, 2025
Dara O'Shea ahead of our @SkyBetChamp opener at Birmingham. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ILrhxIWx50
The Championship, known for its relentless schedule and unpredictability, presents a formidable challenge, but O’Shea and his teammates are relishing the opportunity. “We’re going to start a tough campaign on Friday night,” he acknowledged. “Everyone’s really looking forward to the season starting, getting going and having that run of games.” His comments reflect a squad brimming with enthusiasm and ready to embrace the intensity of the second tier.
O’Shea also highlighted the unique nature of the Championship, describing it as “notorious for being chaotic with games.” Far from being daunted, he sees this as an exciting prospect. “That’s something we’re really looking forward to as a group,” he added.
