Boss Mick McCarthy says central defender Tommy Smith has been "excellent" since he came into his side soon after the change of manager at Portman Road. The 22-year-old New Zealand international came on as a sub in McCarthy’s second game in charge at Crystal Palace and aside from the visit to Leicester — which came soon after a trip to China on international duty — he has started every game since.
McCarthy said: "He’s made a big difference to the team. He’s been excellent. Himself and Chambo have been a really good partnership.
"The back four has kind of picked itself with Cressy and Bradley Orr and now, of course, Richard Stearman. Tommy’s been really good, I’ve been really pleased with him.”
He added: "He’s a very good character and I just like the way he plays the game. He’s a good guy.”
Asked whether he would have been pleased to have scored Smith’s two headed goals in the 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough, McCarthy, a centre-half during his playing days, responded: "In a season, let alone in one game!”