Town boss Mick McCarthy was full of praise for his four defenders and goalkeeper after Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Charlton.
The Blues manager stuck by his regular backline of Christophe Berra and Tommy Smith at the centre of the defence, skipper Luke Chambers at right-back, Jonas Knudsen at left-back and Dean Gerken in goal despite Town conceding two poor goals - by no means the first of the season - in last week’s 2-2 home draw with Wolves.
"The back four were great, and we had Gerks who made three magnificent saves. I just said to him, ‘Man of the match and we won 3-0’," he said.
"I think they are [my best back five], no doubt. I’m not being critical of Bart because if he was in I’d probably be saying that that’s my best back five.
"I think they’re just as good [as one another] but Gerks has got the gloves and possession is nine tenths of the law.
"The other four have been terrific, they really have. It was Tyrone Mings last year but I think Jonas has come in and filled that slot really well.”
Referring back to comments he made at Friday’s pre-match press conference, he added: "I said to you that they’d be playing and they’ll be playing next [Friday] as well.”