Jack Collison believes he has plenty to offer Town even if his short-term deal until the end of December is not extended.
The former West Ham midfielder also knows he can take nothing for granted with competition for places the healthiest it has been for years and Mick McCarthy’s team currently the most consistent in the Championship.
When Town take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough this evening they will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games and seeking a fifth successive league win for the first time in 11 years.
Asked what he felt he had to offer Welsh international Collison said: "I have lots of experience in the Premier League and the Championship — I got promoted with West Ham — so hopefully I can bring a little bit of experience and calmness on the pitch, and hopefully pop up with a couple of goals here and there.”
Collison is glad to have been fixed up with a new club and admitted: "I had a couple of days at Birmingham but when the opportunity arose to come here it was too good to turn down — for footballing reasons, mainly, because they are a fantastic team.
"The manager is someone I have mentioned many times but from my first day he really stood out for me and he’s someone I want to work for and do well for.
"Hopefully he can bring the best out in me and I can repay him on the pitch. Through the midfield they are very strong. Young Teddy Bishop has come in and he’s been fantastic in the few games that he has played and I know it’s a challenge.
"But it’s one I am looking forward to and whether it’s next week, or in two months’ time, when the chance comes I’ll be looking to take it.”
Having clocked up 135 appearances, mainly for West Ham but also on loan spells at Bournemouth and Wigan, the Welsh international admitted it was difficult finding himself without a club when the Hammers released him at the end of last season.
He said: "It was a bit strange but the boys here have been fantastic since day one and made me feel settled straight away. The manager and the staff too, there’s a really warm feeling around the club and it’s no surprise to me that the boys have won four on the bounce.
"I think they’re going to be looking to really push on now and send out a bit of a statement to the rest of the league.
"I’ve had a few injuries but it’s part and parcel of the game and it has actually made me a stronger person for it. I feel fit and the international break is coming up, which will give me a good chance to get my head down, work hard and try to impress the manager.
"I’ve played a few games for the U21s and I’d imagine I will have a couple more games for the reserves to help me get my sharpness up so that when the time comes I’ll be ready.”