Town defender Cameron Burgess is enjoying his first taste of Premier League football, having played in the last three games in the absence of fellow left-sided defender Jacob Greaves.
Greaves had been one of the Blues’ standout players in the opening weeks of the season, but a hamstring injury picked up prior to the Everton match has opened the door for Burgess to feature in the top flight for the first time in his career.
That is an opportunity Burgess has taken, with the draw against Leicester City also marking his 100th start for the club since joining while the Blues were in League One during the summer of 2021.
"It’s a proud moment personally and I’m just trying to do what I can to help the team and get some points on the board,” he said following the match against the Foxes.
"We have to maintain that and we have done so far. The boys who have come in have been top at that and building on the culture, that’s a big thing for us.”
While admitting the jump from the third tier to the Premier League has taken place in such a rapid timeframe, Burgess says he believed he could make the step up and that the same mentality goes for all of the Town squad who have been looking for more minutes this season.
He said: "It came really quickly, probably quicker than all of us imagined, but you have to back yourself at this level. It’s a tough level to play at, but it’s the pinnacle and that’s where we want to play.
"It’s a proud moment but it’s the same for all the boys in the dressing room, we have to show we can mix it at this level. It’s been exciting, probably the main thing. It’s the level you want to test yourself at.
"I’ve enjoyed it so far and it would be nice to get a win, that’s the next step that we’re looking for.”
The Australia international was away on international duty in Japan when Greaves picked up his injury and arrived back late in the week before making his Premier League debut against the Toffees two weeks ago.
Despite the logistical complications, Burgess says he was delighted to come straight into the side and credits the work in training to maintain the level required to step in when needed at short notice.
He also added that, when both are fit, he is embracing the challenge of competing alongside Greaves for a place in the starting XI.
"That’s what you prepare for and what you train hard for so you’re ready at a moment’s call,” Burgess said.
"I was ready to take it when the chance came. That’s what we’re part of a squad for, we’ve got a big squad and a good squad so everyone’s ready to step in when they get the chance.
"It’s great, we challenge each other. It’s a tough position to get into. Greavesy’s settled really well at the club and done really well when he’s played, so it’s a tough battle but it’s an exciting one.”
Dara O’Shea has been Burgess’s defensive partner for the last two matches, but the former Accrington Stanley man says the training regime means it is comfortable to play alongside anybody within Town’s defensive unit.
The 29-year-old said: "We work together so hard in training all week. It doesn’t matter who plays, we all muck in together.
"We stick to our principles and it doesn’t change when someone different is playing alongside you. We build up strong relationships through the week and that goes into Saturday.”
On the Portman Road atmosphere, Burgess said: "It’s special. You don’t get to do it too many times. It’s a special place to come and play as soon as you step out on that pitch and the fans are right behind us. It’s brilliant to see.”
Town are still without a win after 10 matches of the season and have three difficult-looking fixtures to come either side of the November international break.
First, the Blues travel to Tottenham Hotspur before hosting Manchester United and then face a trip to Nottingham Forest, who have started the season in terrific form.
"Let’s go and take it on,” Burgess said. "In the same way we’ve done beforehand. We’ve had some interesting games so far and we’ve got some interesting games to go. We need our foot to the floor, keep working hard and take them on.”