Town boss Mick McCarthy says the return of centre-half Tommy Smith is a big boost as the Blues go into the final months of the season. The 26-year-old made his first senior appearance since September as a sub at Norwich last week having returned from back surgery.
"He’s brilliant,” McCarthy said. "We’ve missed a lot of players this season through injury, and big players for us.
"Tommy’s always been a big player, he’s been pretty much a first-team regular, penned on the teamsheet pretty much most weeks.
"There have been a couple of times when it might be him or Bez [Christophe Berra] and he’s not played, but to have him fully fit is great.”
McCarthy says Smith, who made his senior debut on the opening day of the 2008/09 campaign, is one of the leaders in the team.
"He’s pretty commanding on the pitch, to be honest,” he added. "When I came in he was seen as a kid and he was out of the team but from getting in the team he’s improved no end and he really is a very good professional, a really diligent pro, that’s both on and off the pitch. To have him back is great.”
Smith, who spent two and a half months on loan with Saturday’s opponents Brentford early in 2010, has declared himself ready to start games having played three U23s matches in addition to his sub appearance for the first team.
But McCarthy says the New Zealand international won’t be quite there in terms of match sharpness.
"He’ll be telling me that [he’s ready to start],” McCarthy added. "But I could see the difference in the pace of the game. I said to him on Sunday after the game ‘Are you all right?’. He said ‘Why, do I not look all right?’ and I said ‘You look fine but there were a couple of times where the pace of the game and the difference [was evident]'.
"Had he started though, it’s easier than going on into that game [as a sub], it was such a quick game with a frenetic pace.
"I thought he did really well. There’s no doubt he’ll be fit enough for it lungs-wise, it’s just when everything starts happening.
"But I’m delighted he thinks he’s ready and when I’m ready to put him in then I know I can pick him!”