Boss Mick McCarthy says Cole Skuse has been outstanding since joining the Blues in the summer of 2013. The 29-year-old was one of a number of Town man of the match candidates during Saturday’s 1-1 Championship play-off semi-final first leg draw with Norwich at Portman Road.
"Since he walked through the door he’s been an outstanding player for us, inked in every single week,” McCarthy said.
"There’s a few of them, but he’s been terrific. And as a person as well, he’s such a nice fella.
"He’s a really talented, talented footballer. He could play in the Premier League. It would be lovely to get there and one position I wouldn’t be looking for is his.”
Asked if he felt Skuse’s performances had stepped up a level recently, he added: "I think he’s been good all the time. I think he was much maligned because of his style of play, he’s our go-to player, when we’re without the ball he mops up after others.
"He’s not always the one that gets the headlines but he’s the one that’s tattooed on the teamsheet every week, so somebody must think a bit about him.”
The Town boss was also pleased with Paul Anderson’s performance from the bench against the Canaries and particularly with his goal.
"Ando’s been brilliant, his contribution this season and his attitude towards not being in the team. Every time he’s come on he’s always done everything he possibly can.
"Of course I’m delighted we equalised, but actually I was personally delighted for him because one thing I’ve been banging on about is for him to contribute more goals, as is the case with other players in midfield.
"For him to get the equaliser against Norwich was fantastic, for all of us but personally for him.”
Anderson looks set to start at Carrow Road tomorrow with the man he replaced last week, Luke Varney, out for at least six months with a ruptured achilles.
Meanwhile, McCarthy says he’s unconcerned that other clubs might be able to steal a march on the Blues in the transfer market during Town’s play-off campaign.
While the Blues don’t yet know whether they will be looking at the Championship or Premier League market other sides who know which division they’ll be in during 2015/16 are already able to add to their ranks.
"I take a very pragmatic view on that,” he said. "If we’re in the Premier League I think there’ll be a whole load of players want to come in and join us and we’ll still be shopping in a similar sort of way.
"We’re not going to be going out and spending £20 million or £30 million, so there’ll be players around, players who want to come.
"And if, God forbid, we’re in the Championship again then we’ve got a good squad that are signed and are our players and I can’t remember having 24 players when pre-season started and that’s my squad.
"But it makes it more difficult, however, it’s part of the job. I’m glad I’m in [this situation], I’m glad I’m not preparing for the Championship at this moment in time.”
Meanwhile, former Town loanee Jake Livermore has bene suspended by Hull City having tested positive for cocaine following the Tigers’ 2-0 win against Crystal Palace last month.
The 25-year-old spent time on loan with the Blues from Tottenham in 2010/11, making eight starts and four sub appearances.