Boss Paul Jewell has praised defender Tommy Smith for the way he has acquitted himself this season. The 22-year-old is set to sign new terms with the Blues having appeared to be on his way out of Portman Road after a disappointing start to 2011/12.
Jewell said: "Since I came here, he never really got a chance. I don’t think he played and then when he did come in he had a tough time against Southampton, then he came on for 10 seconds against Peterborough before he got sent off and it was a while before he got back in.
"Tommy’s knuckled down, he’s a really good professional, a good lad, he waited for his chance, got it and he’s been in for the last 21 games. Whatever happens this season, he hasn’t done himself any harm.”
Smith has been part of a more solid Town defence in recent months, with Jewell pleased to finally have an established backline: "You can see the benefit of having a settled back four and hopefully that can go on to be a settled team next year.”
Meanwhile, the Town manager expects second-year Academy scholar Callum Bennett to move on having turned down a professional contract with the Blues: "I don’t think it’s going to happen. I spoke to him yesterday and I think it’s quite clear that he wants to leave but I’ve left that with Simon Clegg.
"He’s been with us since he was seven, so we are due some compensation. If he wants to leave I think it’s best to let him leave, as long as the club is covered because we have put in a lot of time and energy since he was seven.”
Sheffield Wednesday are understood to be amongst a number of clubs to have approached the former Kesgrave High School pupil.