ONE swallow doesn't make a summer.

So says the famous phrase and while it would be naive to get carried away after one unconvincing victory, Ipswich Town's survival hopes are still just about alive. For now.

Last week's slender, nerve-jangling win against Rotherham kept them in the hunt for survival, despite being rocked on the back foot in the second half, left clinging on for a 1-0 victory.

Nevertheless, they managed to hold tight against one of their main rivals to avoid the drop and it means the gap to safety is a mere (tongue in cheek) seven points.

Next up are two pivotal fixtures - both away - against sides once managed by boss Paul Lambert.

Town head to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow before a trip to Aston Villa next Saturday.

Clearly, there's plenty at stake and Lambert, no doubt, will be doubly keen to prevail against his former employers, starting with his old friends at Ewood Park (Town's last league win there was way back on August 31, 1991).

He joined the Lancastrians in November 2015 but activated a clause in his contract to leave after their final game that season, against Reading.

It is thought he became increasingly frustrated by a lack of communication from the club's Indian owners.

That's water under the bridge now but Lambert and his new-look team will certainly be desperate for a happy Rovers Return, to keep up the pressure on Rotherham, Reading and Bolton.

Since last week, Town have confirmed the signing of winger Alan Judge, from Brentford.

The Irishman has joined for a nominal fee, on a deal until the end of the season, and becomes Lambert's sixth January signing.

My hunch is that five of them will start at Ewood Park.

Centre-half James Collins will hope to replicate his watertight performance last week alongside skipper Luke Chambers, while Callum Elder should continue at left-back ahead of Myles Kenlock.

Will Keane, last week's goal hero, will play just off Collin Quaner while Judge may well get the nod on the left-hand side in place of Freddie Sears.

If so, Sears could move to the right and replace Jack Lankester.

That would be harsh on the youngster but I suspect Lambert will want to field as experienced a side as possible, perhaps saving Lankester for Portman Road.

Simon Dawkins, a late sub last week, will probably be on the bench again as he continues to build up his fitness.

Town are in a precarious position whereby they need maximum points from every game.

Anything less will crush their chances but where there's life, there's hope.