Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy paid tribute to Freddie Sears and Daryl Murphy after watching the two strikers secure a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Portman Road.

Sears clinched the win with an 83rd-minute strike as Ipswich moved a step closer to clinching a Championship playoff spot, and McCarthy was quick to reveal his delight with the form of his front two.

"Murph has had a great season - there was some great link-up between him and Freddie," he told reporters. "Freddie has certainly made a big impact since joining and we are delighted with him.

"We may not have deserved to win but the reality is that we won and that's all that matters at this stage of the season."

Ipswich need to avoid defeat against Blackburn Rovers next weekend to secure a playoff place.