Midfielder Cole Skuse says he’s enjoying life at Portman Road after making the first move of his career following his hometown club Bristol City’s relegation to League One last season.

“I was sceptical about how it work out when I first came here,” the 27-year-old admitted. “I had never been to another club away from Bristol so I wasn’t sure. But I have settled in to the team really well and I really like it.

“I have settled into the area really well too and my family are very happy. My wife and daughter love it here. It helps me relax going to work every day knowing that.

“I love the club and the lads here and I’m really settled, which makes it easier for me and that is reflected on the pitch.”

Looking ahead to the festive fixtures, he added: “It is hard over Christmas, you have just had your dinner and want to settle back on the couch, but instead you have to get on a coach to Doncaster, which is not just round the corner.

“But it will be worth it if we can get the points to take us into the top six. I’m sure my little girl will miss me, I’m not sure about my wife,” he joked.

Might his first Town goal come during those games? “I’m not going to promise you anything. I’m hoping my missus has tucked one in the stocking for Christmas!

“I’m not going to tell you I’m going to get 25 goals a season, I’ll just keep trying to do my bit and pleasing the manager and TC.”

He admits three Championship games in seven days plus the FA Cup tie at home to Preston on January 4th will be tough going: “I’m getting old, I’m starting to feel these things now!

“The training with Andy Liddell and the manager will be catered to what we need so we can conserve a bit of energy."

Skuse paid tribute to the Blues’ travelling support ahead of the lengthy trips to Doncaster and Bournemouth: “Especially at this time of year, going to football is not a cheap day out.

“We get unbelievable support on our travels, so fair play to them. The fixture list could have been a little kinder to us.”

Photo: Action Images

StowTractorBoy added 11:54 - Dec 24 I agree with him regarding the fixture list. We never seem to get a home match on Boxing Day and to have 2 consective away matches in 4 days is a bit much in my opinion, especially when you consider they are at both ends of the Country. I know we are not the only ones to suffer but surely one of the two games could have been at home. Never mind we were given a dreadful list of fixtures at the beginning of the season and have overcome that. To end the moaning it really annoys me that Leicester and Leeds are on Sky so frequently and yet we make one appearance that was probably squeezed in because we had not been featured. Onwards and upwards and see you at Donny and Bournemouth.

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