Boss Mick McCarthy has praised "model professional" Tommy Smith for the way he reacted to being left out of his XI earlier in the season.

Smith, 24, a regular starter since McCarthy’s second game as Town manager two years ago, was dropped in September to accommodate Jonny Parr coming in at right-back but has since won back his place in the side.

“He’s been great,” McCarthy said. “I think when he got back in for the one game [Blackburn at home] and was then left out, that irked him somewhat but he still managed to keep his counsel and do things right and be the model professional.

“I’ve had the same discussion with Jonny Parr. He played at Charlton and I said to him ‘I’m not going to sit here and try and make any excuses for not playing you and tell you that you could have done this, you could have done that better.

“‘That is my preferred back four for the Leeds game. There’s not a lot you can do. There’s not a lot I can say to you to make you feel any better.

“'But be ready to go [when you’re needed] like Tommy Smith was because he got back in and he’s been in ever since.’”

Photo: Action Images

Wussinwhiteboots added 12:30 - Dec 16 Odds on MM will bring in Parr and drop Smith for Sat. I think Adam Clayton would run rings round Chambers at RB.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 12:37 - Dec 16 I reckon Tommy could turn out to be that rare thing these days: a one club man who is still playing for us in 10 years time with appearances nudging toward the likes of Stockwell, Burley, Holland etc. (prob not up to Wark and Mills tho!)
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DurhamTownFan added 15:17 - Dec 16 Although I loved him, Holland isn't in the top 10 for appearances. He played almost every game for a few years, but we had to flog him to charlton too quickly. (Sad day: like watching your ex with some other new bloke). Glad to see more praise for Smith. A rare breed for his loyalty, and also in that he'll stick hi nut in anywhere, even if it risks getting hurt. Far too rare in CBs these days, especially at the top level.

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jabberjackson added 15:46 - Dec 16 I'm pleased to see Tommy getting the plaudits now There were far too many on these pages in the not too distant past who lambasted him, and some (shamefully) from the sidelines too Some of our so called fans do not deserve the success we are beginning to enjoy now
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Paulblue62 added 17:29 - Dec 16 I echo DurhamTownFan. Always loved Tommy. I call him Mr Ipswich. Playing well and long may it continue.
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