Chris Powell was happy to explain the thinking behind his selection and formation in the 2-2 draw at Ipswich.

The boss played a 3-5-2 wing-back system with Paul Dixon in for Jack Robinson at No3, Lee Peltier promoted into a three-man central defence and Nahki Wells restored to the attack.

It meant in-form wingmen Harry Bunn and Sean Scannell had to settle for places on the bench, but both played key roles in a second-half fightback as Powell switched to 4-4 2.

“It was a tough call to rest one or two, but they came on, made an impact and helped us earn a point,” said Powell, whose side have a six-match unbeaten run as they prepare to take on Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday.

“It’s very easy to stick with the same team, but at this level you have to be clever sometimes.

“I want to be careful, because Sean and Harry have made such an impact and I want them to do that long term as well.

“They’ve carried the team forward, created chances and scored goals.

“I also looked at Ipswich, who play a front three and are quite direct at times to a plan, and I felt we needed that extra security.

“That shape still allowed us to have the three in the middle of the park that have been dovetailing really well, and it gave us two up top to get at Ipswich, which we did.

“I knew I had those guys up my sleeve (Bunn and Scannell) and with half an hour to go, I had to go to them. It’s never just about 11 players, it’s about 18.

“If you manage players in the right way I think they will respond in the right way.

“I’m paid to make big decisions, but if I justify them to the players and justify them to the fans, then I don’t see any problem with changing things around.

“As I keep telling the players, they all have a part to play and they will get their chance to play it.”