Mick McCarthy believes that Ipswich Town were deserved winners against Fulham in their Championship season opener, despite a nervy finish at Portman Road.

The Tractor Boys raced into a two-goal lead with just over an hour on the clock, but Tim Hoogland pulled a goal back for the visitors with four minutes remaining.

Fulham were unable to find a leveller, however, and Ipswich held out for three points.

"It was a nervy end but I think we deserved to win it overall," McCarthy told Sky Sports News. "[Dean Gerken] hasn't had a lot to do, not that I'm saying that their keeper has been diving around making saves either.

"I thought they had a lot of the ball in the first half without hurting us and we certainly scored a good goal on the break. I think we deserved it overall."

Ipswich return to league action next weekend with a visit to Reading.