Daryl Murphy is content to be an unsung hero for Town as they enter the second half of the season as genuine contenders for at least a play-off place.
Murphy is the team’s second leading scorer with seven goals but tends to be in the shadow of co-striker David McGoldrick, the top marksman who has netted 11 times.
The Irishman, who also does a lot of good work for the cause in helping to defend set pieces, has no problem with not being the main focus of attention in Mick McCarthy’s team.
He said: "I don’t mind that at all, as long as the team is doing well and we’re winning games. I don’t care who gets the plaudits. It’s nice to chip in with a few goals here and there, and if I can keep doing that and keep my place in the team I’ll be happy.
"Going back for corners and freekicks, that’s something I have always done anyway. That’s not changed and I don’t think it ever will.”
Murphy firmly believes he is playing the best football of his career, adding: "It’s the most goals I’ve ever scored going into a new year so that’s a good sign.
"I also know there’s definitely more goals in me. It’s just a case of taking the chances when they come along and hopefully I can do that over the next four or five months.
"We’re in the top six now and we want to stay there. We will if we beat Charlton on New Year’s Day and we want to finish as high as we can in the table.
"The gaffer has just said to concentrate on the Charlton game — I don’t know about the FA Cup tie against Preston on Saturday and whether or not I’ll be playing.”