Christophe Berra has revealed that partnering Tommy Smith in the Town defence has helped to improve his all-round ability.

Since breaking into Mick McCarthy’s starting line-up Berra has regularly partnered New Zealand international Smith, a fellow left-footer, at the heart of the defence.

Berra said: “If you’re a good player you can usually play with anyone and we’ve got a good bunch of defenders here. If there are injuries or people drop out through suspension there are always players who can step in and fill that space.

“Obviously I’m left-footed, the same as Tommy, but to be honest since I’ve come here my right foot has improved quite a lot and it has given me another strength to my bow. It’s good that I’m more comfortable on my right foot because it can only help me and the team.

“Usually, if you’re a left-footer you will play on the left side, but the experience of playing on the right has made me more versatile and it can only make me a better player.”

Berra believes today’s trip to The Valley, where they face a Charlton side just three points worse off than McCarthy’s men, will provide a stiff test.

He added: “Charlton won 2-0 against Doncaster in midweek so their tails will be up and we’ll have a difficult game. But it doesn’t matter who you are playing, home or away, it’s always difficult and if you drop your standards even a fraction you’ll be in for a game and could get punished.

“We’re not at the stage where we can go into games thinking that we’re better than our opponents. We’ve got to work hard and grind it out. Then, if we do the basics right, hopefully our quality can shine through.”

Berra is delighted to have been joined at Portman Road by ex-Wolves colleague Stephen Hunt, who will be hoping to make his first start for Town since signing a short-term deal earlier this month that will take him through to January.

“He’s a real character, very lively and chirpy,” said Berra of the Republic of Ireland international. “He makes you laugh and even if he says something that isn’t funny you still can’t help laughing at him.

“Stephen’s a good lad, he’s good for the changing room and he brings an enthusiasm to the squad as well. Plus, he can play, as he has shown for a good number of years at a very good level.”

Photo: Action Images

oscarwhiting added 07:46 - Nov 30 Still miss the smith- chambo partnership
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TimmyH added 11:54 - Nov 30 Yep rather Chambers was next to Smith and THAT RB issue was sorted!
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purplealien added 12:20 - Nov 30 I don't get this argument that the breaking up of smith-chambers is the reason for the increase in goals conceded. IMHO is got more to do with the replacement of Stearman with Chambers. Stearman was brilliant at mopping up behind Chambers as well as excelling in the RB role (even if he didn't get forward that much). I'm sure that the loss of Henderson is a factor too. Gerkin and Loach aren't quite of the same quality.

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Seasider added 12:27 - Nov 30 I wonder what Luke Chambers really thinks about being pushed out of his natural position by a left footer.Didn't think Mick was type of guy who had favorites although at least Berra is a better player than Anderson or Tabb neither of whom should get a look in at the moment but they do!
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Maverick_Mitch added 14:18 - Nov 30 Purplealien - just look at the stats Tommy and Chambo one of the best central partnerships in the division. Who thinks two left footers makes sense! Berra is too slow and imo this is one of the few mistakes MM has made. We need a proper right back and put Berra back on the bench along with Anderson and .....
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purplealien added 14:36 - Nov 30 Maverick, as far as I know there are no stats to show how Berra-Smith at centre back would perform with Stearman at RB rather than Chambers. I'm no expert, but I think the solidity Stearman brought to the back 4 was more significant than people think.
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