Don’t be fooled by Cole Skuse’s apparent laid-back approach — there is plenty of ambition and passion burning under the surface as the Town midfielder eyes the previously uncharted territory of England’s top flight.
Skuse admits: "It would be an absolute dream for me. I’ve never been in the Premier League — I’ve always been League One or the Championship — but I’m not getting any younger and my hair is definitely getting greyer. I would love to have a sample, a taste, of the Premier League.”
The tall, elegant midfielder will surely never have a better chance of clinching a place in what is tagged the best league in the world and wants the world to know that he is in no way complacent — a message hammered home to him by his nearest and dearest.
He added: "My wife definitely doesn’t let me get complacent. She keeps me on my toes at home and I’m always on the phone to my parents, especially talking about football with my dad. That’s one of his favourite sayings — don’t be complacent — and he says it every time before he puts the phone down.
"Dad can be my harshest critic and will tell me in no uncertain terms how he thinks I’ve done. If he thinks I’ve done well he doesn’t lift me up on his shoulders and start jumping in the air, he’ll just say: ‘You did okay today.’ But he won’t think twice about giving me a bit of an ear-bashing when I’ve done not so great.”
Skuse, who knows his shortcomings and does a nice line in self-deprecating humour, is grateful to boss Mick McCarthy, first of all for bringing him to Portman Road and then demonstrating his faith in him by making him a regular choice.
He has missed only a few games through injury and McCarthy has always reinstated him in the starting line-up at the first opportunity, a measure of his appreciation for what the ex-Bristol City has to offer the team.
Skuse said: "It is massively appreciated. I know I’m never going to be a player who grabs loads of headlines for doing spectacular things. I go about my business quietly and do things that a lot of people maybe don’t see.
"But the manager has shown he has faith in me and has obviously seen something in me and in what I’m doing for the team.
"I would say my form this season has been okay but I wouldn’t deny it has been a bit patchy really. The start of the season was slow but I think I’ve done okay. I do my bit for the side but it might go unnoticed by a lot of people.”