Bartosz Bialkowski has revealed he will be voting for Tommy Smith for the Players' Player of the Year — a week after the centre-back was controversially dropped by Mick McCarthy.
The New Zealand international was the unfortunate absentee after McCarthy brought in orthodox right-back Kevin Foley ahead of last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at home to Brentford.
With Foley making his first start in his natural full-back position, McCarthy opted to partner skipper Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra in the centre of the back four — despite many fans feeling Smith has been the most consistent defender this season.
While Bialkowski was never going to be drawn on the decision of his manager, he believes Smith - third in the Supporters Club Player of the Year vote behind Bialkowski and Freddie Sears having carried off the gong in 2013 - has actually been the most consistent player in the whole squad, and not just in defence.
Quizzed on his own choice for the Players’ Player of the Year, Bialkowski said: "I think my vote would go to Tommy Smith. He has had a really solid season. I said to him last week I think he is going to get it.
"Obviously Freddie Sears has been really good and always working hard, but my vote would go to Tommy.”
After keeping faith with the same back four — Chambers, Smith, Berra and Jonas Knudsen — pretty much all season, McCarthy will now be pondering his defensive options ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday.
Starring behind such a settled backline, Bialkowski has often had to come to the rescue in recent weeks with Ipswich flattering to deceive.
Of the decision to drop his pick for Player of the Year, the keeper would only say: "That was the gaffer’s decision.
"The manager is putting the team out and to be fair to the lads who haven’t played this season, they deserve their chance. I can have an opinion but I am going to keep it to myself.”