GEORGE Burley paid tribute to Wanderers after watching his side struggle to create chances throughout the match.

Ipswich, who face Italian giants Inter Milan in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, only had two real shots on target as the Bolton backline proved unshakeable.

Burley was frustrated but impressed by what he saw.

"They are very difficult to break down," admitted Burley. "You could see why Bolton have one of the best away record in the Premiership. They are always looking to catch you on the break and they are basically doing what we did last year and full credit to them.

"They are a good team who have showed that by winning at Old Trafford and scoring five at Filbert Street. We knew it wasn't going to be easy.

"What disappointed me today was how we conceeded our goals. We have to look at our defending because they didn't really have to do much to score them.

"We got one goal back right on half time, had a lot of possession second half but we couldn't really create any chances.

"At the moment we have got to knuckle down We are without a few key players. We have got to weather the storm and as a team defend better and try and create a little bit more. In the Premiership you get punished for mistakes and that was the case today."

Despite their success in Europe, Burley's Tractor Boys are now in a spot of bother at the lower end of the Premiership and needs a few wins quickly if they are to move towards mid-table safety.

However, if he is worried, the Ipswich manager hides it well.

"We've got 25 games to put it right and if we can get a couple of wins it will push us right up," he said. "Sometimes though when things are not going well you do begin to wonder where the next win is coming from.

"I think it's a time when the players have to stand up and be positive. I think there were times when you could see we were a little bit edgy. That happens when you're not winning games but we've got to keep that out of our minds and stay positive."

Burley admitted it was a blow to lose Marcus Stewart for the Bolton clash. Ipswich's top scorer was injured on Saturday in a freak training accident and while his team-mates were heading for defeat against Wanderers, Stewart was recovering from an operation to insert two plates in a broken jaw.

"It was a big blow to lose Marucus and it looks like he will be out for six to eight weeks," explained Burley.

"He is one of our key attacking players and we missed him. But that's football. Someties things go for you and sometimes they don't. Last season we didn't have any injuries at all but this season it has been the complete opposite."