Christophe Berra has revealed that partnering Tommy Smith in the Town defence has helped to improve his all-round ability.
Since breaking into Mick McCarthy’s starting line-up Berra has regularly partnered New Zealand international Smith, a fellow left-footer, at the heart of the defence.
Berra said: "If you’re a good player you can usually play with anyone and we’ve got a good bunch of defenders here. If there are injuries or people drop out through suspension there are always players who can step in and fill that space.
"Obviously I’m left-footed, the same as Tommy, but to be honest since I’ve come here my right foot has improved quite a lot and it has given me another strength to my bow. It’s good that I’m more comfortable on my right foot because it can only help me and the team.
"Usually, if you’re a left-footer you will play on the left side, but the experience of playing on the right has made me more versatile and it can only make me a better player.”
Berra believes today’s trip to The Valley, where they face a Charlton side just three points worse off than McCarthy’s men, will provide a stiff test.
He added: "Charlton won 2-0 against Doncaster in midweek so their tails will be up and we’ll have a difficult game. But it doesn’t matter who you are playing, home or away, it’s always difficult and if you drop your standards even a fraction you’ll be in for a game and could get punished.
"We’re not at the stage where we can go into games thinking that we’re better than our opponents. We’ve got to work hard and grind it out. Then, if we do the basics right, hopefully our quality can shine through.”
Berra is delighted to have been joined at Portman Road by ex-Wolves colleague Stephen Hunt, who will be hoping to make his first start for Town since signing a short-term deal earlier this month that will take him through to January.
"He’s a real character, very lively and chirpy,” said Berra of the Republic of Ireland international. "He makes you laugh and even if he says something that isn’t funny you still can’t help laughing at him.
"Stephen’s a good lad, he’s good for the changing room and he brings an enthusiasm to the squad as well. Plus, he can play, as he has shown for a good number of years at a very good level.”