At a time when two left-backs are in the running for the game’s top individual awards, the position, often viewed as unglamorous compared to others, has never enjoyed such high-profile status.
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole, who collected cap number 100 in England’s 2-1 friendly win over Brazil at Wembley on Wednesday, and Leighton Baines of Everton are among the front-runners for both the PFA Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year accolades.
Town’s own left-back, Aaron Cresswell, was among the midweek armchair audience as Cole and half-time substitute Baines shared left-back duties against the Brazilians.
He said: "These guys have been in the Premiership virtually their entire careers and I’ve watched them a lot. I saw the England game on Wednesday and I try to pick up some tips from seeing them in action.
"But at the moment they’re in a different league to be honest. It’s a million miles away for me, although one day I would love to pull on an England shirt. I don’t know if it will happen — probably not — but the main thing is that I’m happy with Ipswich.
"I’m just like every other player, of course, in that I want to play at the highest possible level and one day I hope I do play in the Premiership.
"If it happens I’d love it, but for the time being I’m only interested in making sure we beat the drop and stay in the Championship for next season.
"Who knows what will happen next season because Mick McCarthy has a good record in getting clubs promoted? He did it with Sunderland and Wolves, so I’m sure he is looking to do it again with Ipswich.”