Carlos Edwards has praised team-mate Jay Emmanuel-Thomas for his defensive work during Town’s recent climb towards mid-table respectability in the Championship.
The attack-minded former Arsenal youngster has really found his feet in recent weeks and on a number of occasions during the recent 3-0 home win over Cardiff was conspicuous for his clearances from deep on the right.
Edwards, 33, said: "I’m in JET’s ear every so often, shouting to him to get back and help at the back. He has done really well and it has been hard for opposition teams to hurt us down our right side.
"Once we’ve done our job at the back I’m happy to give him the ball and let him do his stuff. One area where we are better than a lot of teams in this division is that we have better pace and presence.”
Emmanuel-Thomas took time to settle in at Portman Road after his £1 million-plus summer move but has been one of the team’s stand-out performers in recent weeks.
Edwards added: "At first I think JET needed an arm round him as the gaffer tried to teach him a few things. I think JET thought the gaffer was having a go at him but I think he was just biding his time before unleashing him. You can see he’s a better player now.”
Meanwhile, Edwards is continuing to enjoy his role as a right-back despite a reputation as a pacy right-sided midfielder earlier in his career.
He went on: "I think the gaffer has only played me once in midfield and it’s fine by me. At right-back I have a chance to get a bit more rest and I can see the game unfolding in front of me. I can anticipate and judge situations better from there.
"But I am still learning about being a defender. I don’t think I am the worst right-back in the Championship but I will get better the more games I play in that position.
"In my view, if you are a professional footballer you should be able to play anywhere. Not always to the best of your ability, perhaps, but to a decent standard.”
Edwards stressed that the team spirit at Ipswich was a vital factor behind the team’s recent improved form and added: "We need everyone pulling in the same direction.
"If anyone slips up there must always be someone there to take up the slack. We don’t want anyone sulking if they are not in the team. We all want the same thing but only 11 can start.”