Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has conceded that his side are likely to be battling against relegation from the Championship for the remainder of the season.

Yesterday's 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Bristol City has left the Tractor Boys just three points and two places above the relegation zone.

Speaking after that match, McCarthy admitted that his team's failure to convert their chances is a major contributing factor behind their current position.

"I've never said anything other than that it will be a bitter scrap until the end. That's the way it will be," he told the East Anglian Daily Times.

"The two teams played their part in reducing the quality of the game today. I thought they played well first half, while second half we got to grips with it and got some opportunities that we could have done better with.

"That's the difference between the teams that finish in the top six and the ones that finish in the bottom half. They put the ball in the net."

McCarthy took charge at Portman Road in November.