Luke Chambers is full of praise for the all-round contribution of namesake Luke Hyam while emphasising that the former Northgate High School pupil is still not the finished article.

Chambers said: “Luke will always get better because he’s still young. To play the amount of games he has this season is fantastic. In every game he is trying to make things happen, trying to enforce himself on the game and make an impact.

“He wins tackles and headers — he’s a proper fans’ player and that’s why they rate him so highly. He puts in the work and covers the ground but he has added that bit extra to his game in recent weeks by getting forward and setting up goals.”

Hyam, 21, hit the 50 appearances mark in the 1-0 away win at Derby and is amongst the contenders for the Supporters' Player of the Year accolade, having been named the club's most improved player during 2012/13 by manager Mick McCarthy at last night's end of season dinner.

Chambers, who carried off the Players' Player of the Year award at the dinner, added: “Luke’s got a very bright future ahead of him if he keeps his head down, which I know he will because he’s a fantastic lad and he’s got his head screwed on.

“He’s a quiet lad but in training every day it is just like a match to him. If there’s a tackle to be won he’ll go through with it. He prepares well, he’s a top professional and with the manager and TC here now they’re only going to improve him.”

Meanwhile, vice-captain Chambers has admitted that skippering Town on a number of occasions this season has been hugely rewarding but is happy for Carlos Edwards to continue in the role.

He said: “I’ve been very privileged in my career to be captain of a massive club in Nottingham Forest and to come here, another massive club, and to be handed an armband.

“It’s a little boost for me, personally, but whether I’ve got the armband or not I’m always going to be the same. The lads know what I’m about and what I bring to the team.

“It’s nice if it happens but at the minute Carlos is our captain. I’m not even thinking about the captaincy at this moment in time.

“It’s been a tough, tough season for me coming down here. We’ve had to bite and scratch for everything we’ve got. We’ve got something to focus on — making sure we get safe — and I’m looking forward to the future after that.”

Photo: Action Images

BillBlue added 06:57 - Apr 24 Well said Luke but I am not certain the comment "We've had to bite ...... for everything we've got." is the appropriate one in the current environment!! Thanks to PJ for bringing you.here.
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blueblood66 added 08:31 - Apr 24 Rated Hyam from the first day I saw him. If Mick can bring in some quality along side him we will have a strng and creative centre, I don't think N'Daw is the answer and I am sure he will be 'elsewhere' next season!
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Karlosfandangal added 08:59 - Apr 24 Jewell brought in some excellent players butt MM and TC know how to get the best out of them and that's the difference. Robson had that gift of getting players to play to their strengths by playing a system that help them achieve that. Would like in the future to see MM classed as one of our great managers would love to see some more football at Portman Road like the late 70's early 80's

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AndyKing added 09:14 - Apr 24 I met Chambers last Saturday and he is a top bloke who deserves this award. A solid season from him, well done!
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pazelle added 12:04 - Apr 24 Hyam looked good under Keane! Good to finally have a manager that isn't a muppet (although he does look like Sam the Eagle)
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SanDiego added 16:57 - Apr 24 Sometimes players are only as good as the managers that use them.
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SanDiego added 16:58 - Apr 24 meant to say 'the manager that uses them'
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TimmyH added 19:26 - Apr 24 To be honest I know he hasn't had a run in the team until the last couple of months but I want a bit more out of him - he doesn't score enough and would like to see him become a little less inhibited in his play, next season under big MM I'm sure he'll get better.
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muccletonjoe added 19:59 - Apr 24 Hyam gets my vote as player of the season , and I think next season he will be a big part of a very good team
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SanDiego added 20:39 - Apr 24 To be honest TimmyH he is the same as everyone else. He has been asked to do a defensive job considering our position but you have to admit he has been getting forwards more of late. I think you'll find most of the players will be less inhibited next season.
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TimmyH added 21:44 - Apr 24 yes that's true, I think even under Keane he had a 'free' reign in midfield, hopefully you might be right for next season, but he is well down the pecking order when it comes to Player of the Season - has to go to Smith or Chambers.
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King_of_Portman_Rd added 10:48 - Apr 25 Player of the year shouldn't really be going to Hyam.. He hasn't played enough to really stand out for a whole season, but I suppose it shows how down and then up our season has been as no one has been consistent throughout the season. Smith and Chambers have grabbed the mantel since December but for me Cresswell has been the most consistent and played every single game.. Even on his off days he's still be ok. He hasn't had a mare like most of his team mates have at some stage during the (early part of the) season

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