Kieran McKenna has Tractor Boys prepped for arduous trip to Arsenal

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has challenged his players to be brave when they head to Premier League title challengers Arsenal on Friday night.

The Blues travel to the Emirates Stadium on the back of a chastening 4-0 home defeat by Newcastle, which again saw the promoted side come up well short as Alexander Isak struck a hat-trick.

McKenna, though, insists the squad do have what it takes to stand up and be counted – no matter how daunting the challenge ahead may seem.

"We have watched back through the game and had a look at the things that we need to do better – other than that, everyone is positive and looking forward to Arsenal," McKenna said.

"We know we have got a great next game ahead – Arsenal on a Friday night at the Emirates is a fantastic one in the journey for this group of players and for the club.

"We need to show the right mentality first of all. It is a chance to show our togetherness, our spirit and resilience.

"Our organisation is going to have to be really good and we are going to have to show bravery in moments of the game as well to take them on in the way we want to."

Individual errors again proved costly against Newcastle, but McKenna feels those can soon be cut out with the right mindset.

"It is about trying to make as many good decisions as possible," the Town boss said.

"If we don't make the right decision at the right time, then that is when more risk comes into it.

"It is about trying to develop the group, educating the players on different moments of the game and different situations, and what is the most appropriate decision to make in each situation.

"Then it is about working with them in that process because they are human beings.

"They are not going to get every judgement right in the level that we are