Bartosz Bialkowski has revealed he will be voting for Tommy Smith for the Players' Player of the Year — a week after the centre-back was controversially dropped by Mick McCarthy.

The New Zealand international was the unfortunate absentee after McCarthy brought in orthodox right-back Kevin Foley ahead of last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at home to Brentford.

With Foley making his first start in his natural full-back position, McCarthy opted to partner skipper Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra in the centre of the back four — despite many fans feeling Smith has been the most consistent defender this season.

While Bialkowski was never going to be drawn on the decision of his manager, he believes Smith - third in the Supporters Club Player of the Year vote behind Bialkowski and Freddie Sears having carried off the gong in 2013 - has actually been the most consistent player in the whole squad, and not just in defence.

Quizzed on his own choice for the Players’ Player of the Year, Bialkowski said: “I think my vote would go to Tommy Smith. He has had a really solid season. I said to him last week I think he is going to get it.

“Obviously Freddie Sears has been really good and always working hard, but my vote would go to Tommy.”

After keeping faith with the same back four — Chambers, Smith, Berra and Jonas Knudsen — pretty much all season, McCarthy will now be pondering his defensive options ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

Starring behind such a settled backline, Bialkowski has often had to come to the rescue in recent weeks with Ipswich flattering to deceive.

Of the decision to drop his pick for Player of the Year, the keeper would only say: “That was the gaffer’s decision.

“The manager is putting the team out and to be fair to the lads who haven’t played this season, they deserve their chance. I can have an opinion but I am going to keep it to myself.”

Photo: Action Images

Dozzells_Bobblehat added 12:24 - Apr 15 I would agree that those three have been the most consistent players this season. Smith should be starting at Sheffield. Berra has been a great signing but his form has undoubtedly slipped and IMO Tommy should get the berth alongside Chambers ( Who also needs to up his performances) .
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Bluebell added 13:03 - Apr 15 Well said Bart. My vote went to Tommy too. Being goalkeeper he knows who he can trust in front of him. Berra and Chambers have both had good and bad games but Tommy is consistent. Knudsen has really improved too.
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footyblue added 16:33 - Apr 15 Tommy has be unlucky to be dropped as he has been our best defender by far this season
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jas0999 added 16:47 - Apr 15 Smith deserved to be top three. Inexplicably dropped last week.
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TomJamesLW added 17:36 - Apr 15 Mick picked his favourites last Saturday, but I still can't understand why he decided to change the back four after two consecutive clean sheets as he almost never changes the the defence! Perhaps he thought Foley could provide more in attack than Chambers at full back??? Anyway, let's hope Smith is back in the team tomorrow because he has undoubtedly been our best defender this season.

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blueboy1981 added 17:49 - Apr 15 Tommy has only on problem - he is NOT a McCarthy favourite. He has been a rock for the Town this year. If I were Tommy I would be looking elsewhere when his contract ends - totally convinced he would be appreciated more under other management. Should have had his contract extended long before now. Rock on Tommy - you're a Star.
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bings109 added 20:25 - Apr 15 Could it be that the new contract on offer is the problem?
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Woodbridgian added 11:13 - Apr 16 Well said Bart and the goalkeeper knows his back 4 better than anyone! TS by far the most consistent defender this season which makes MM decision to drop him ahead of his favourites last week even more crazy. But then Crazy the horse would probably do a better job of picking the team at the moment
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HarryS_H added 12:42 - Apr 16 Good choice, I personally think Berry should have been dropped if that's what mick wanted to do with a right and left footed pair. Tommy Smith often goes unnoticed but it's good to see that Bart appreciates all his good work
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HarryS_H added 12:44 - Apr 16 I think Tommy and chambo could be a good pair, chambers doing all the fighting/battling and Tommy cleaning up the mess
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Seasider added 13:17 - Apr 16 Well said Bart.Your manager grudgingly gave you support for winning our player of the season award as he had no choice;but still managed to get a plug in for his favourite Gerks. Interesting to see if Tommy will be back in today,would be surprised though if he omits any of his other undroppables of Skues Berra Chambers or Knudson so expect it to be Foley,and will Kevin Bru remain out of the side once again?

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