Boss Mick McCarthy has refused to get drawn into “pub discussions” regarding the balance of his midfield, fans having been debating the Blues’ results with and without Cole Skuse in recent days, the Bristolian, a fixture in the side throughout the Town manager's time at Portman Road, having missed the 3-0 home victory over Wigan on Tuesday and also games during the improved run in February.
McCarthy, not overly enamoured at having Internet discussions brought up at his press conference, said: "It’s always the same, when you win everything looks a lot better. The players who are not in and are sat in the stand behind me are never as good as the ones on the pitch when we win.
"And when we’re not winning all the ones on the pitch are shite and everybody behind me is better, all the kids and all the academy should be playing. That’s why I don’t read it.”
Pressed further on the balance of the midfield, which fans have discussed throughout the season, he added: "I’ll pop into the pub and discuss plastering and electronics and roadworks because I tell you, there are a lot of potholes around. If I find some of them chaps around I’ll ask them how they’re fixing them!
"I know nobody discusses that but I’m not having pub discussions in here. That’s why I don’t go to the pub either, and listen to all that nonsense.”
He added: "And by the way, Cole Skuse has been brilliant since he walked through the door four years ago. He’s just been outstanding.
"I remember him getting a bit of booing as well, he got a bit of a digging out. Maybe they are getting bored of him and maybe they’re getting bored of [Christophe] Berra, maybe they’re getting bored of the ones who are around.
"I’m sure it does [happen], but they’ve all been very, very reliable and good servants to the club.”
Skuse, 31, will again be absent when the Blues travel to Fulham on Saturday, due to the concussion he suffered during Saturday's draw with Birmingham.