Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna says keeper Christian Walton deserved his start in the 2-0 win over Chelsea which ended 2024 in style for the Blues.

Walton replaced Aro Muric between the sticks for the clash, which saw Town win via goals from a dominant Liam Delap and the dazzling Omari Hutchinson.

SIGN-UP! Get six months of ALL our Town coverage for just £6 - or all of 2025 for £25!

The switch came against a background of Muric making several costly mistakes in games - leading to vocal criticism from some in the fanbase - but also pulling off some important world-class saves in others.

Walton, who'd only started once in the top tier so far this season - in the opener against Liverpool when Muric was injured - impressed in the win over Chelsea, making four important stop to keep the Blues on top in what was a vital upset win.

Walton made some big stops against Chelsea (Image: Ross Halls) And McKenna said: "Christian deserved it. He's been training really really well, he's been so professional, so supportive in the group, is a very good goalkeeper, played well when he had his opportunity at the start of the season (against Liverpool) and he's knuckled down and kept himself ready.

"Part of it was him deserving his opportunity, to be honest, to come into the team and show what he can do. He's probably deserved that opportunity for quite a while. Even last season, to be honest."

Aro Muric was benched for the Chelsea clash (Image: Ross Halls) The Town boss also revealed: "Aro (Muric) had a small issue in his thigh that he's been playing through in the last couple of weeks that has been limiting him a bit with his kicking.

"That and a few other factors meant it was a good time from him to get a break tonight and for Christian to get his opportunity. He came in and did an excellent job."