Boss Mick McCarthy says central defender Tommy Smith has been "excellent" since he came into his side soon after the change of manager at Portman Road. The 22-year-old New Zealand international came on as a sub in McCarthy’s second game in charge at Crystal Palace and aside from the visit to Leicester — which came soon after a trip to China on international duty — he has started every game since.

McCarthy said: “He’s made a big difference to the team. He’s been excellent. Himself and Chambo have been a really good partnership.

“The back four has kind of picked itself with Cressy and Bradley Orr and now, of course, Richard Stearman. Tommy’s been really good, I’ve been really pleased with him.”

He added: “He’s a very good character and I just like the way he plays the game. He’s a good guy.”

Asked whether he would have been pleased to have scored Smith’s two headed goals in the 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough, McCarthy, a centre-half during his playing days, responded: “In a season, let alone in one game!”

Photo: Action Images

Sindre94 added 06:21 - Feb 12 Great comments these
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Warky223611 added 06:29 - Feb 12 ive got his inform card on FUT 13 .... hes an ANIMAL twitter.com/xjoe_king
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bluefeast added 07:38 - Feb 12 He is a really great prospect , and under the guidance of a good manager can be a great player for us. The key is under a good manager ,the previous two would of seen him sold to a div 1 side. We are in safe hand with MM. Just really hope hes a long term appointment for us.
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Wickets added 07:59 - Feb 12 Turning into a leftsided Tony Adams.2 seasons ago i claimed he would be a Town skipper of the future,its about to come true. Keep it up Tommy your club needs you!
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Keaneish added 08:35 - Feb 12 He's been excellent this season. We'd have been happy with one leader at the back 4 months ago let alone 2! Chambers for skipper next season and Tommy as understudy.
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muhrensleftfoot added 08:42 - Feb 12 Top defender. Finally proving the potential he always had as a youngster, now that he's got a manager prepared to show faith in him
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bluefeast added 09:02 - Feb 12 Championship form table since Mick McCarthy arrived at Ipswich> 1st Cardiff 39pts 2nd Watford 37pts 3rd Hull 34pts = 4th IPSWICH 28pts = 4th Leicester 28pts = 4th Derby 28pts = 4th Palace 28pts 8th Brighton 27pts = 9th Burnley 26pts = 9th Charlton 26pts = 11th Middlesbrough 25pts = 11th Millwall 25pts 13th Sheff Wed 24pts = 14th Blackburn 23pts = 14th Leeds 23pts = 14th Bolton 23pts = 17th Birmingham 22pts = 17th Blackpool 22pts 19th Peterborough 21pts = 20th Bristol City 20pts = 20th Nottm Forest 20pts 22nd Barnsley 19pts 23rd Huddersfield 17pts 24th Wolves 13pts

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BillBlue added 09:22 - Feb 12 Hi bluefeast Without a credit it is called plagiarism! Just kidding. COYB
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brendanh added 09:54 - Feb 12 Amazing what a difference not travelling 24,000 miles between games can make.
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jas0999 added 10:16 - Feb 12 Completely agree. Smith has been excellent. Chambers much improved as well.
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MaySixth added 10:24 - Feb 12 I never rated Smith but MM seems to be getting the best out of him. Long may it continue.
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brendanh added 10:37 - Feb 12 Smith for club captain is a no-brainer. He's been our most consistent defender this season and is visibly improving with each passing game. A centre-half warrior is always a good candidate for captain. He is also that rare thing: a latter-day, home-grown Ipswich player in whom some patience and loyalty was placed, and who we are now beginning to reap the rewards from. A fine example for the club on so many levels after seeing our team filled with legions of disinterested, mercenary journeymen in recent years.

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Lightningboy added 10:57 - Feb 12 He looked on his way out 18 months ago under Jewell..now is probably 1st on the team sheet..goes to show what hard work can do..if only a few others would follow..keep it up Tommy!
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dirtydingusmagee added 11:00 - Feb 12 He has come on a bundle ! Really think he would be a good captain, the next Mick Mills [i'll prob get - 10 and a kicking for that ].Although we are still in a bad situation i really think M M will keep us up and get a good team together in summer .COYB
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RaymondovicBlue added 11:32 - Feb 12 I am another of those feeling a little smug. we spotted Tommy as a future king pin and if he keeps his head down he will become that for years to come. we'd better get promoted in the next two seasons or a premises club will wave the cheque book. also i'm still convinced that the 24000 miles actually were the making of Tommy. he got nothing but stick and put downs from fans and the then managerial "team" but was also made captain of his country. vital encouragement that has allowed him to flourish. chambers can be glad of Tommy's covering to enable him to start performing too. Looking good. now the goals from Midfield please!!!!!!

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RaymondovicBlue added 11:33 - Feb 12 Premises??!!??! PREMIER! !!
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arc added 11:38 - Feb 12 He's only 22, but has made 87 appearances for us. He's had four managers (not counting caretakers). When he made his debut, it was alongside Pim Balkestein, a name that seems from a different age.
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R_LAMB3 added 11:49 - Feb 12 I agree with most of you Tommy Smith has played really well this season and he stands out so far as player of the year. If we play attacking football this week instead of playing for a draw we might get some goals and Tommy might get one with head again He and a couple of other players done a fair job on Rhodes last week including breaking his nose. Our midfielders were to busy helping the defence out and as a result did not supply any decent balls to the forwards. More attacking football this week please and use the wingers and get the big lads up for the corners including Tommy Smith and the goals will start coming. I predict we will score at least 3 goals this week and will get three more points to add to the total we need of 50 points or more.

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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 11:50 - Feb 12 My captain next season and a new long term contract.
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cooper4england added 11:55 - Feb 12 Defence has picked up under Mccarthy's stewardship. Front two looking better with Connor's guidance. Just need Thijssen to sort the midfield and we'll be in Europe! !!
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Michael11 added 12:17 - Feb 12 I'd still say Chambers would be my first choice for captain with Smith as vice captain. Hopefully a long term partnership at the back for many years! If we survive this year i have a good feeling about next!
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runningout added 15:39 - Feb 12 Tommy Smith has improved without doubt, and had to if he wanted a future in the game. He has plenty of room to be better. If our ropey midfield, and blunt forward line give our defence something to feel assured about, it may be useful for a blinking points tally.
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Dozzells_Bobblehat added 16:17 - Feb 12 runningout - he certainly did go through a poor spell but the last few months he has been excellent, and our ex international player/manager seems to agree with me, and stop being so negative, just look at bluefeasts figures above. Things are getting better. Cheer up.
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Karlosfandangal added 17:36 - Feb 12 And to think we nearly let him go
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Ipswich24 added 17:44 - Feb 12 Really has been impressive if everyone else could up their game like he has would be away from danger now well done Tommy keep it up.
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