Forward Kayden Jackson felt Premier League Fulham were a level above the teams Town have previously faced as the Cottagers defeated the Blues 3-1 at Portman Road last night to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in which they face an away tie at Everton.

The loss was only the second by more than a single goal in manager Kieran McKenna’s time at the club, the first the 2-0 loss a Bolton in his third game in charge, and also the second of the season in all competitions.

The Blues came from two goals down to beat Wolves 3-2 at home in the previous round but found the West Londoners much stiffer opposition.

“It was tough game against a very good Premier League side,” Jackson said. “We’ve had some good moments in the cup this season, Wolves obviously being the standout one, and we were hoping for something similar tonight.

“But I think they were just a level above what we’ve faced and, although we gave a good account of ourselves, it was a tough game against a very good team.”

McKenna changed his entire XI with a number of those coming into the side, among them debutant Axel Tuanzebe and skipper-for-the-night Sone Aluko, who was making his first start of the season, short on match fitness.

“It’s always going to be tough when you make so many changes and lads come into the team that haven’t had a lot of minutes,” Jackson reflected.

“You look at Sone coming into the team tonight, albeit a top, top player, his lack of minutes has probably accounted for us not being able to get that final pass off.

“There were a few opportunities that we had, especially in the regains, a couple of them we were perhaps too eager to get in.

“It’s a good test for ourselves, especially the club, the aspirations that the club has. That’s where we want to get to and I think everyone at the club will be better for the game tonight.”

Jackson was very impressed with Fulham, who he believes were as tough as an opponent as the Blues could have faced aside from some of the top flight giants.

“The best teams, they always feel like they’ve got a man extra,” he continued. “No matter how hard you work, the boys worked tirelessly and we were trying to match them but they keep the ball moving very well and use the overloads and punish you in behind.

“It was a tough team to play against and probably outside of the big top six in the Premier League, it was always going to be one of the tougher ones just purely because of the style of play.

“Although we’ve got good principles, they’ve clearly got some good principles themselves. It was nice to play against a team like that just to see what the other level is.”

The 29-year-old had a chance in the first half after Freddie Ladapo had forced Whites keeper Marek Rodak into an error, but his shot from a tight angle was saved by the Slovak.

“For a split second I thought it was in until he tipped it round the post,” Jackson recalled.

“It was unfortunate. We had a few other opportunities that we didn’t quite get hold of and didn’t quite find the final pass, but on another night, the effort that we put in, we’d probably get something.

“There were a few other opportunities that we didn’t quite get hold of and when we didn’t quite find the final pass.

“On another night, with the effort that we put in, we’d probably get something, at least a couple more goals out of it.

“I think they thoroughly deserved the win and it’s just good to come up against them and test ourselves against guys from the level above.”

While the cup run is at an end, Jackson still expects the players on the fringes to get time on the pitch as the Blues go into a spell in which fixtures come thick and fast.

“I think everyone knows how busy the schedule is leading into the international break and then thereafter,” he said.

“The boss has just said then that before the international break and between then and January 1st, we have 13 games.

“It’s going to be a squad game and we’ll all get our opportunities and hopefully when we come into the team we can take them.”

And even if players aren’t in the starting XI, the five subs gives them an opportunity to be involved on a regular basis.

“I think we’ve shown it over the course of the season already,” Jackson said. “A d we’re only in the early stage in the season, there are lads who have come off the bench to win games, there are lads who have come into the starting XI having not been in the starting XI the week prior and come in and won games well.

“We’ve shown already that it’s going to be a massive, massive effort from the whole squad and with the schedule that’s coming up and for the rest of the season, we know it’s going to be tough, gruelling and it’s going to take everyone in the building. And that’s why we’ve got such a strong squad.”

He added: “If you’re disappointed that you’re not starting or you don’t come on one week, you can’t show it, you don’t have time to be disappointed too much because you could be in the starting XI next week and be the difference-maker.

“We’ve shown that a few times this season already and we work hard every day to come in and do well when we’re given the opportunity.”

Last night’s game was watched by a crowd of 28,221, a figure which illustrates the feel-good factor around the club at present.

“I don’t think you’d get that crowd at many other places in England in the Carabao Cup on a Wednesday night,” Jackson said. “It’s a testament to the club and the fans and how they’re supporting us.

“They’ve been a massive part of what we’ve been able to achieve over the last 18 months, so it’s no surprise now. We’ve had it since the boss has come in and we know they’ll continue to back us and hopefully we can give them a few more special nights.”

Photo: TWTD and Matchday Images

SamWhiteUK added 11:14 - Nov 2 We were a level _below_ where we normally are. I think we made it easy for Fulham tbh
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bobble added 11:18 - Nov 2 my 6 year old daughter is a level above jackson..
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Karlosfandangal added 11:23 - Nov 2 Might have got a result if we had played the first team or most of it but then lose at Birmingham. If Town can win the next 3 before the international brake, recharge and get ready for a busy December
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Marinersnose added 11:26 - Nov 2 Our strongest eleven would’ve been more competitive but Fulham played within themselves and always looked capable of stepping up the pace. Players should enjoy the moment not the result and aspire to improve.
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muhrensleftfoot added 11:27 - Nov 2 Bobble I meant to down mark you. Pity you can’t undo mistakes on here
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VanDusen added 11:30 - Nov 2 He speaks so well and shows how the attention McKenna has paid to Jackson is paying off in such an intelligent and rounded player. Very noticeable how often he was involved not only in the final third, but getting back to clear off the line and essentially putting himself about all over the field. We were outclassed last night, but as he insinuates with our starting line up I expect we really might have given them more of a game. Nonetheless ironic that after 13 years for wanting to have a cup run, it comes in a season where it's just a distraction from the league and not having to travel to Everton the week before Xmas is probably for the best given December is going to be the month to make or break us.

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Wickets added 11:40 - Nov 2 Jackson is useful coming on late against a tiring defence but I often think he struggles when he starts games . Big pity he does not trust his left foot as if he could have gone inside he would most likely have scored . Always gives his best though .
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Portman51 added 11:47 - Nov 2 Agree most of Jackson's analysis, but we simply have to accept the consequences of playing a second string eleven, the reasons for which I fully understand. In particular, Walton looked rusty and I feel Hladky would have prevented both the first and certainly the third goals. Kayden himself was simply not sharp enough in front of goal on a night when chances were always going to be at a premium. Notwithstanding his goal against Wolves, Taylor has yet to really impose himself in midfield. The one big plus from the night was Baggott who looked hugely impressive in the time he had on the pitch. Let's hope we get the three points on Saturday to fully justify last night's selection.

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Runner added 12:11 - Nov 2 Look on the bright side, we had over double the crowd figure than that Premier league giant Bournemouth had.
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itsonlyme added 12:36 - Nov 2 I hope Jackson leaves in the transfer window! Can’t head the ball, can’t pass to a blue shirt, just speed that goes nowhere!
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Gforce added 12:54 - Nov 2 Most of League one are a level above Jackson.
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d77sgw added 14:57 - Nov 2 That's right....let's all slag off one of our own players. Clearly McKenna knows nothing, and some fans know better....
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blueboy1981 added 15:02 - Nov 2 …… and for the Non-Deluded - he was Right ! It was a ‘Walk in the Park’ for Fulham - never threatened, always in control, and never had to get out of First Gear ! Painful Reality Check !
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blueboy1981 added 15:07 - Nov 2 …… Runner - and at least 50% of them expected less than 11 Team Changes, and more in terms of Performance and Result. Otherwise, wouldn’t have bothered !
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Linkboy13 added 15:26 - Nov 2 Clubs should be more honest with the fans before they spend their hard earned money and announce the fact that they will be fielding a much weakened team.
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ronnyd added 15:34 - Nov 2 Linkboy,... the squads are all deemed 'first team' players these days and not just the "stiffs" of old.
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itfckenty added 15:49 - Nov 2 surly everyone knew that the whole team was going to be changed? I bought my ticket knowing exactly that and wasn't at all surprised we was beaten.. (especially with the players they had on the pitch) everything McKenna does has reason, in this instance it was due to some busy schedules coming up, people would sure moan if we had our first team on the pitch, got through but several players got knocks or injuries in the process.

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Suffolkboy added 15:59 - Nov 2 What a good job ITFC are going so well in Champs , otherwise the naysayers would be almost impossible ! We can’t win them all , we are very successful but all of this is built on well structured management, great coaching, terrific man management and the most intelligent decisions on how and when to utilise resources at our disposal . Come on each , believe ,support , be positive and enjoy ITFC ,always ! COYB ,

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Westy added 16:11 - Nov 2 Very disappointed with the result and frustrated that we did not play our strongest team. The chance to progress into the Quarter Final of a cup competition only comes around every so often and we should have maximised our chances of progressing by doing that. Christian Walton at fault for two of the goals but Fulham still cut through our defence to create those chances and Christian Walton is rusty - perfectly understandable given his lack of game time but don't use this game to get him up to speed. People may well say that the league is the priority but preserving players for Saturday does not guarantee we will get something at Birmingham. Also feel that tonight we lacked belief.

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cressi added 16:22 - Nov 2 Firstly I'm not a hater And secondly McKenna has done a marvellous job so far. Jackson may be a lovely bloke May work hard but I despair watching him never picks a pass don't look up.Never wins a header rarely uses his pace to any effect just not good enough in my view. I don't think 20 good games in 4 yrs it's not personal but I would like much more when the likes of Burns don't play.

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oldtimer3 added 16:59 - Nov 2 Look the most important thing is to get into the premier league. We have a good chance to get there this season! But we can't afford to send our best players out for these cup matches! I like Jackson and he seems to get a lot of flack with some so called supporters. All I can say is well done to you this season. Onwards and upwards!
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Bert added 17:03 - Nov 2 Jackson defends as well as runs. As much as I like Burns, he neglects to track back so that must improve. Clarke may be one of our own but he has probably reached his level so if promotion is to happen we need a more competitive and battle hardened back four; Leif Davis of course is the exception.
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Marinersnose added 17:26 - Nov 2 Bert we would also need a different midfield etc etc. We have a strong Championship side but we’ll short of what’s required for the next level. Three promoted teams all getting whipped each week. KMK will I’m sure strengthen in January like we did last season. Fans have to accept that some players will reach their levels.
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RobsonWark added 20:01 - Nov 2 itsonlyme added 12:36 - Nov 2 "I hope Jackson leaves in the transfer window! Can’t head the ball, can’t pass to a blue shirt, just speed that goes nowhere!" I agree 99% of what you say. I think you got marked down so much because you mentioned speed. What speed? It's all a myth. I've never seen him him out run anyone on a football pitch.
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RobsonWark added 20:09 - Nov 2 You are spot on cressi about Jackson. Well said. If anyone watches "Life's a pitch" on youtube you will see Terry Butcher thinks the same. Even Kieran McKenna can not work miracles on that guy. People just want to worship players who play for Ipswich Town. Leg-end Chambers and his side kick Skuse being another two players who some can not admit how bad they were for our team.

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