Central defender Tommy Smith insists that the Blues are better than their current position five places off the bottom of the Championship. The 22-year-old netted Town's equaliser during Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Bristol City.

Smith said: “We are better than a bottom six side. You can see by the results and points we have picked up in the past few weeks that we are better than that.

“We are picking up points, even when we don’t play well we get a point, so that is a positive.

“If we can go on a good unbeaten run, especially over this Christmas period when there are a lot of points on offer, then I can see us moving up the table.

“I can see 2013 being a much better year than 2012. The signs are certainly positive and if we apply the right positive attitude then the quality will come.”

The New Zealand international believes that earlier in the season the Blues might not have got a point from Saturday’s match: “In the past we have not done, so we can build on that. We are unbeaten in five at home and that is something we can build on.

“Everyone is putting in 100 per cent but some days people are not at it and the quality was not there. Training-wise, the quality is there, so it will come.”

Smith was delighted with his second goal of the season, his first coincidentally having come against Bristol Rovers in the Capital One Cup in the opening game of the campaign.

“It is only the second I have scored with my feet so I’m quite happy with that one,” he said.

“It is our job to get on the end of things when we go up for set pieces and this gaffer has been quite persistent in making us do that.”

Smith says he and his team-mates will be raring to go again at the Valley today: “Every game is tough in this league, especially with the amount of games, but we work well with the medical staff and make sure we get the right nutrients into us so we will be ready to go again over the festive period.”

Photo: Action Images

bigolconnor added 08:33 - Dec 26 I've always loved Tommy Smith. I've criticised his ability in past seasons, but never his passion. He seems to be one of the true gentlemen. And will defenitely be our captain one day. Good luck today boys and may your hangovers be far less severe than mine.
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runningout added 10:50 - Dec 26 we havent been better than our current position.. This league is tough and you have to be clinical, and show you want it.. We have the ability to beat anyone, but have been shocking.. ie Blackpool, Palace Leeds.. sorry to harp on..
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gazmangaz added 10:54 - Dec 26 I'm sure most players of all the sides in the division would say they are better than their league position, the table doesn't lie !!
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RetroBlue added 10:58 - Dec 26 We need more players like TS that "bleed" Ipswich Town FC. The current squad is full of transient players that are here primarily for their own ends - and not ITFC's. Until MM can sort this discrepancy out, we will continue to falter IMO.
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skhall added 14:19 - Dec 26 Tommy Smith reminds me a lot of Gareth McAuley. He grabs the occasional important goal and really plays for the badge! I believe that under MM we are better than our current position. Look at the form table and you can tell this! Sadly our form under PJ played a massive part in where we are.
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