Ipswich manager George Burley refused to let his side's failure to secure automatic promotion to the Premiership get him down as he cried: "Wembley here we come!"

Town's 4-1 defeat of Sheffield United was not enough to secure a top-two finish and they are in the play-offs for the third year in succession.

Burley, whose side now face Bolton over two legs, hid his anguish and paid tribute to City.

He said: "It was important that we got the win, and we were then hoping it would take us into the Premiership.

"Unfortunately we've finished a point below Bradford, and I wish their manager Paul Jewell all the best; he's done tremendously by getting promotion.

"We couldn't have done any more today; it was a very good performance and that will give us great heart going into the play-offs.

"We're all disappointed because we wanted that automatic spot but we've still got the chance to go up through the play-off system - and we're confident we can do it that way.

"Hopefully our experience of the last two seasons will stand us in good stead, and we'll look forward to it - Wembley here we come."

Ipswich had scored just two goals in their last five games before yesterday, but Jim Magilton, James Scowcroft and Kieron Dyer all hit the target in the first half.

George Donis pulled one back for United before Blades left-back Robbie Kozluk was sent off for two bookable offences and Richard Naylor's late strike sealed the win.

Burley added: "I think most managers would say we're the best footballing side in the division but we've suffered lately because teams have set out to stop us playing through midfield.

"We've got to adjust our attacking tactics, like we did today, if we are to do well."

lIpswich have been made 15-8 favourites to win the First Division play-offs by bookmakers William Hill, who also offer 9-4 Birmingham, 3-1 Bolton and 4-1 Watford.

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