McAuley scored his second goal of the season on Saturday

Ipswich Town defender Gareth McAuley insists team unity has helped see his side out of a poor run of form.

After three league defeats on the spin Town have rallied to record back-to-back Championship victories.

McAuley, 30, told BBC Radio Suffolk: "We don't have a blame culture, we went through the three games without a victory and we stuck together.

"There's a belief and a determination right through the squad and we're determined to do something as a group."

Roy Keane's men have climbed back into the play-off places thanks to Saturday's 2-1 victory over Sheffield United which followed a 2-0 success at home to Millwall seven days earlier.

Derby County come to Portman Road on Tuesday with both sides level on 24 points, but the Rams ahead on goal difference.

"I know it's only two games now that we've won, but we're turning it around, you get the confidence back and get momentum going into the Derby game," McAuley added.

"We've got a good mix of experience and young lads, so it's positive times."

606: DEBATE The revival continues and we're above the Budgies so a great weekend! aohnnywarksmoustache

Ipswich are eight points adrift of an automatic promotion place in a league that has seen QPR and Cardiff City setting the pace so far this season.

Northern Irish international McAuley, who notched Town's winner against the Blades, admits he has one eye on toppling the top two.

"They're there to be knocked down and it's a target to try to aspire to," he said.

"We've got a focus of staying in behind the front two. Come the end of the season if we're there or thereabouts then it's going to be a successful term."

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