Sereni aims to make up for lost time
Matteo Sereni knows he carries a huge responsibility as Ipswich fight for their Premiership lives in the coming weeks.
The Italian goalkeeper is in top form but still regrets his decision to ask manager George Burley to rest him for the FA Cup match at Dagenham and Redbridge in January.
It was not a good move, as Sereni only forced his way back into the side last month. But now he accepts the level of commitment required in English football and said: 'I was tired as I had used a lot of energy in the previous few months. I needed a rest, just a match, but it was a mistake and a good lesson for me.'
Sereni came to Ipswich's rescue against Villa with two crucial late saves after they had had the better of proceedings.
He denied Darius Vassell when through on goal, and when Dion Dublin back-heeled for Thomas Hitzlsperger, the German's stinging drive was superbly pushed over the bar by the goalkeeper.
'I'm disappointed with our position in the table because other teams won important games,' added Sereni. 'We had a good period a month ago and maybe we have lost a bit of our concentration, but this team has character.'
Earlier, Villa goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel had earned the plaudits. Midway through the first half he did well as Marcus Bent connected with a Mark Venus corner and then denied the Ipswich forward with his follow-up.
In the second half, as Ipswich increasingly pressed forward, Schmeichel again saved Villa, stopping Marcus Stewart's header with an outstretched leg and denying Jim Magilton before he hit the rebound against a post.
Ipswich's remaining games includes dates with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, but Burley said: 'It's going to be tough but we have to keep believing we can stay up.'
