Boss Mick McCarthy says striker Daryl Murphy fully deserved his Most Improved Player award, despite being one of the more senior members of the squad.
The 31-year-old joined the Blues on a permanent basis last summer following his release by Celtic having previously had three spells on loan at Portman Road.
He ended the season as Town’s second top scorer on 13 and won a recall into the Ireland squad after an absence of five and a half years.
McCarthy personally picked the Irishman for the gong, which was announced at the club’s End of Season Dinner shortly before the end of the campaign.
"It’s strange isn’t it, ‘most improved player’. Doesn’t it seem bonkers when you’re 31?” said McCarthy, who also signed Murphy from his hometown club Waterford United in 2005 when manager of Sunderland, soon after he had been on trial with Town.
"I was hoping that he didn’t take it as an insult and I’m sure he didn’t. Generally it’s a kid that comes through that gets it. But I think from signing here as our player - and he did all right last year on loan - he’s been outstanding this season.
"And even more so from when David McGoldrick got injured. I think he took up the baton and led the line remarkably well on his own and got his goals. I think he has been the most improved player.”