Boss Mick McCarthy says Cole Skuse has been outstanding since joining the Blues in the summer of 2013. The 29-year-old was one of a number of Town man of the match candidates during Saturday’s 1-1 Championship play-off semi-final first leg draw with Norwich at Portman Road.

“Since he walked through the door he’s been an outstanding player for us, inked in every single week,” McCarthy said.

“There’s a few of them, but he’s been terrific. And as a person as well, he’s such a nice fella.

“He’s a really talented, talented footballer. He could play in the Premier League. It would be lovely to get there and one position I wouldn’t be looking for is his.”

Asked if he felt Skuse’s performances had stepped up a level recently, he added: “I think he’s been good all the time. I think he was much maligned because of his style of play, he’s our go-to player, when we’re without the ball he mops up after others.

“He’s not always the one that gets the headlines but he’s the one that’s tattooed on the teamsheet every week, so somebody must think a bit about him.”

The Town boss was also pleased with Paul Anderson’s performance from the bench against the Canaries and particularly with his goal.

“Ando’s been brilliant, his contribution this season and his attitude towards not being in the team. Every time he’s come on he’s always done everything he possibly can.

“Of course I’m delighted we equalised, but actually I was personally delighted for him because one thing I’ve been banging on about is for him to contribute more goals, as is the case with other players in midfield.

“For him to get the equaliser against Norwich was fantastic, for all of us but personally for him.”

Anderson looks set to start at Carrow Road tomorrow with the man he replaced last week, Luke Varney, out for at least six months with a ruptured achilles.

Meanwhile, McCarthy says he’s unconcerned that other clubs might be able to steal a march on the Blues in the transfer market during Town’s play-off campaign.

While the Blues don’t yet know whether they will be looking at the Championship or Premier League market other sides who know which division they’ll be in during 2015/16 are already able to add to their ranks.

“I take a very pragmatic view on that,” he said. “If we’re in the Premier League I think there’ll be a whole load of players want to come in and join us and we’ll still be shopping in a similar sort of way.

“We’re not going to be going out and spending £20 million or £30 million, so there’ll be players around, players who want to come.

“And if, God forbid, we’re in the Championship again then we’ve got a good squad that are signed and are our players and I can’t remember having 24 players when pre-season started and that’s my squad.

“But it makes it more difficult, however, it’s part of the job. I’m glad I’m in [this situation], I’m glad I’m not preparing for the Championship at this moment in time.”

Meanwhile, former Town loanee Jake Livermore has bene suspended by Hull City having tested positive for cocaine following the Tigers’ 2-0 win against Crystal Palace last month.

The 25-year-old spent time on loan with the Blues from Tottenham in 2010/11, making eight starts and four sub appearances.

Photo: Action Images

jas0999 added 18:48 - May 15 Underrated by many; including myself. Skuse plays his role very well. He won't score five goals a season, nor will he necessarily make a telling pass. But he will track back, win the ball. Support everyone else. A good signing from Mick.
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WorcesterBlue added 22:05 - May 15 Football is all about opinions but shoe in? not for me. And if Mick isn't looking to replace him in the PL we're going to ship a lot if goals. Too slow, weak in the tackle, doesn't show for the ball and negative with distribution. Neat and tidy yes but everyone around him has to work their balls off or he is exposed. Yes he's got better recently and in our squad of rough diamonds shows a bit of quality but Micks got a blind spot here imo.

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Currie10 added 22:23 - May 15 Mick keeps his thoughts internal and praises everything to the press. The sooner people get that the better. If you asked Mick about the chair he's sitting on during an interview it would be a " brilliant chair, fantastic " ............. deary me.
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WorcesterBlue added 07:17 - May 16 That's great guys and of course I know he talks players up. But to clearly say someone is a shoe in is a bit beyond positivity isn't it. But as I said its all about opinions.
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Currie10 added 09:48 - May 16 Well Skuse did get players player of the season and is pretty much a guarantee in the line up. I would say Skuse/ Berra/ Murphy are the 3 absolute guarantees - we have other very likely to be, however these three are firm yesses. I just love Mick's approach. Last season he quite often praised certain individuals who were getting stick from us, with them dropping out last season. I met Marcus Stewart at the SW supporters evening who said Mick was the best he'd worked under. One story he revealed " I found myself on the bench and wanted answers from Mick so I went and knocked on the door " - " Mick, why am I on the bench? " - Mick - hand on Marcus's shoulder " Marcus, you've been s*** " - took the wind out of his sails and he ended up agreeing. Later on, when Mick agreed to let Marcus to leave Sunderland they met at some friendly or game. Mick came up to Stewart, asked how he was and told him he deeply regretted not giving him an extra year. Just find Mick refreshing compared with the last three. Keane would berate people, give the media a story. We were being linked to this player, that player, the other. Them days are gone. It's quiet, we wonder what's going on, bang, new signing! Love how united the club is. Mick's done such a great job pulling us together, if we don't go up this season I'm sure we'll be top 6 again next. COYB!

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