Mick McCarthy has elected to remain positive after seeing his Ipswich Town side denied victory by a late equaliser against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Ipswich looked on course for all three points before Michail Antonio's late strike earned Forest a 2-2 draw, but McCarthy refused to criticise his players for their display at the City Ground.

"I am proud of the performance and it was a thoroughly deserved point, but it feels like a defeat. Then again, if you had offered me a point beforehand, I wouldn't have even got on the bus," the Ipswich boss told reporters.

"I think a lot of people will see Forest as champions elect with the squad they have got, so it is a good point.

"We've had to defend well against a very capable team and I am pleased with the way we've played, but disappointed with the late blow."

Ipswich climbed to sixth in the Championship with the point.