Town defender Tommy Smith has attributed his improvement in form down to Mick McCarthy’s arrival at Portman Road as manager.
The New Zealand international has been one of the side’s most consistent performers during the 13 months that McCarthy has been in charge.
Smith, 23, said: "I think it shows in my performances how much I have improved and I hope I can carry on improving under him.
"I will keep trying to keep clean sheets for the team and maybe nick a few goals along the way.”
Absent from last month’s last-gasp win at Blackpool because he was on international duty against Mexico in a two-leg World Cup play-off clash, Smith feared he may also have to sit out the following week’s home clash with Leicester because he only returned from his marathon trip the previous day.
But McCarthy named Smith in his starting line-up against the Foxes and the player added: "It was nice to get the nod to return to the team because I was worried that I might be out of the team for a little while.
"I was delighted that the manager had faith in me. I don’t feel the journey home affected me too much.
"It’s really good when you have the confidence from the manager. He speaks to all the lads and he is so good at the man-management side of things and that can only benefit all the players at the club.
"If you’re not in the team he tells you why and if you are in the team he encourages you and gives you that confidence in yourself. It’s really good to have him around.”