Town’s mid-season trip to Portugal — they headed for the Algarve on Sunday and returned on Wednesday — was the perfect tonic according to midfielder Jay Tabb.

Manager Mick McCarthy saw the short break as an ideal opportunity to recharge the batteries after a hectic Christmas and New Year programme and it not only enabled the squad to train on perfect pitches but also proved an ideal opportunity for team bonding.

Tabb said: “It was really good actually. It was nice to get away — obviously the weather here is appalling and we weren’t too sure what to expect because we knew it wouldn’t be scorching hot over there. It was really nice.

“We had a few games of golf, a team night out and it was good for the team spirit and bonding. There was a good team spirit here already but going out there you get to know your team-mates a little bit better. We trained quite hard as well on Monday and Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tabb has joined the call for the Republic of Ireland to consider team-mate David McGoldrick for senior international honours, adding: “He is amazing.

“I had played against him a couple of times before but to be with him day in, day out, in training and playing matches with him you see the class he’s got. Some of the goals he scores in training are unbelievable. He’s an all-round good footballer, he has done really well this season and hopefully it will continue.”

Tabb has not yet given up on a call himself and having won Irish U21 honours he would like nothing more than to earn a senior cap.

He added: “It’s something I like to think I could do if I play well. I’m 30 next week so I’m still young enough to do it but first and foremost I’ve got to make sure I turn in some solid performances for Ipswich.

“I also need to make sure I don’t need another kick up the backside from the manager before the end of the season. I’ve had one so I need to make sure I keep putting the work in and do well.

“We’ve got a small squad so I’m sure that when the loan window opens the manager will be looking to bring one or two in. That’s just football and if he brings in a player in my position I’ll just have to work even harder. It’s good to have competition for places.”

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