Ipswich star’s happy message to teammates as squad is forbidden from looking at table
Marcus Harness provided three assists in Wolves’ EFL Cup comeback on Tuesday and is determined to enjoy current success rather than focus on a promotion push.
Marcus Harness has urged his Ipswich teammates to live in the moment rather than fantasize about winning consecutive promotions.
The Tractor Boys have won seven of their first eight league games, and winger Harness had a hat-trick of assists when they recovered from two goals down to defeat Wolves in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
But managerwuntil after Christmas. And despite finding his reduced role as an impact player off the bench “difficult”, Harness says it is vital to revel in the present rather than look too far into the future.
“This is a special group, a special team, a special club,” he said before today’s trip to Huddersfield. “We’re just trying to enjoy it while it lasts and hopefully it lasts a long time. We always back ourselves to cause problems and I fancy us against most teams.”
That the 27-year-old is not throwing his toys out as he fights to reclaim his spot in the starting XI is also a testament to the mentality McKenna has fostered.
Harness was a standout performer in the opening months of last season after joining from Portsmouth. But a torn meniscus sidelined him in November and he has struggled to get back into a team that has lost three times in all competitions in the calendar year.
“I haven’t chipped in as much as I’d have liked,” he said. “But if I keep doing the right things it’ll come. The lads have been playing so well, it’s just about me trying to keep the pressure on. It’s been difficult coming off the bench at times.”
McKenna has been experimenting with him in different positions on the training pitch. And Harness says a constant desire to innovate is one of the keys to their success under the EFL’s youngest manager, who is demanding a daily level of intensity that the winger has not seen in 11 years as a professional.
“The manager and his staff are constantly looking for solutions,” continued Harness. There are a couple positions we’ve looked at, and I’m prepared to be called upon. Though everyone seems to be doing well in training, I believe I have. Even the members who aren’t playing in the game train with a passion I’ve never witnessed in a group.
“We have a sizable roster; many of us don’t play much, but there are no rotten apples. It’s a pleasure to participate.
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