Town midfielder Luke Hyam will have been relieved to hear that manager Mick McCarthy had confirmed his inclusion in the starting line-up for Saturday’s trip to face Birmingham City after admitting he feared for his first team place.
Hyam, 21, spoke to TWTD before McCarthy’s revelation and admitted he was concerned that he might be relegated to the bench at St Andrew’s.
He said: "I think everyone is worried about their place. We’ve lost three of our four league games so far and that isn’t good enough. We all need to be performing better and when that happens we will start to get results. Whoever comes in, whoever plays, will give 110 per cent.
"I feel I can do a lot better. To be honest I’m not happy with my own performances. I’m pretty sure there are other players who are not happy either but if we all improve by five or ten per cent we’ll soon start winning games.
"I don’t know why I’ve not been playing better — I think it’s just one of those things. Once I get a bit of confidence I’m sure things will improve. This game is all about confidence and once you get it going, which comes from winning games, you feel you can play a lot better.”
Hyam was given his senior debut by ex-boss Roy Keane and then struggled to hold down a regular first team place under Keane’s successor, Paul Jewell.
But since Mick McCarthy inherited the reins in November last year the Ipswich-born midfielder has not only established himself in the side but also been rewarded with a new three-year contract.
He added: "Mick instils confidence in the players, which makes a massive difference. I just want to repay him for showing so much faith in me.
"But we all deserve a kick up the backside from time to time and Mick knows when to do that as well as talking to you about your game. He is just a top manager.
"I was delighted to get a new deal. I’m really enjoying my football here and I want to stay for as long as possible. It just shows how things can change in a short space of time. It’s almost surreal.”