Striker Daryl Murphy says Town team-mate David McGoldrick deserves a shot at international football with the Republic of Ireland. McGoldrick currently is waiting for the paperwork permitting him to play for Ireland to be completed.
Murphy, who has been capped 12 times at full level, is with the Irish squad ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Gibraltar in Dublin on Saturday and in Gelsenkirchen against Germany on Tuesday.
He says he's not concerned that McGoldrick will add to the competition for places in Martin O'Neill's squad.
"I don't mind it to be honest because if he is doing well at the club and I'm doing well, hopefully there will be a space for both of us,” the 31-year-old told Herald.ie. "He's a good player and someone who deserves a chance. Hopefully he'll get it.”
"He [McGoldrick] is always asking me when I get back from the trips, what it's like, what the lads are like. He just wants to get fully fit, the paperwork should be done sooner rather than later and hopefully he can impress and get in.
"He is just trying to get his fitness back - he was out a long time - and he is getting there, but this [Ireland] is something he's keen on.
"He is a totally different type of player, he picks up positions and little pockets, someone like Wes [Hoolahan] who gets in those areas and makes things happen.
"He creates a lot of chances, for others and for himself, as you could see last year, he had 16 goals before he got injured at Christmas. He is an exciting player, he's only 26 so he has a lot to offer.”
Murphy says he’s enjoying life at Town with boss Mick McCarthy firmly viewing him as a frontman rather than a wide midfielder.
"I don't think I've played left of midfield since he's been there in charge and I think that's a big factor in why I'm doing so well,” he added.
"I know I'm going to play as a striker, I'm in the team at the moment every week and really enjoying it.”
Irish manager Martin O’Neill has said how impressed he’s been with Murphy’s "exceptional" form having watched him on a number of occasions this season.
"Martin's been to a few games over the past month or so, we've a few Irish lads at Ipswich so he's come to have a look, and I've been scoring a few goals so I'm sure he's seen that,” Murphy continued.
"I think a lot of the places are there to be fought for and to earn a chance. It's up to the players then if they do get the chance they have to produce."
He says Ireland shouldn’t take Gibraltar - who lost their opening qualifier 7-0 at home to Poland - too lightly.
"We have to show Gibraltar a bit of respect, they're going to be a tough team to break down and we're going to have to go about it as we do every game, as professionally as we can, prepare right and then hopefully turn up on the night and beat them.”