Carlos Edwards is doing his best to remain upbeat despite the disappointment of no longer being an automatic first team choice.

The 35-year-old Town captain, whose current contract expires at the end of the season, has explained he is trying to keep a smile on his face even if he might be hurting on the inside.

He said: “It has been frustrating but obviously you have to look at the bigger picture. The team comes first and I can’t be selfish enough to just look at myself and say that I want to play. Of course I want to play but it’s got to be about what’s best for the team.

“When we went on that unbeaten run the manager did have a word with me and said the formation he was playing didn’t suit me. Yes, I was a bit upset about it but I took it on the chin and just continued to do what I do.

“I did get my chance but it wasn’t the ideal chance because it was Millwall away and I wasn’t playing in the position where I normally play. I played at right-back for the FA Cup game at Preston, thought I had a decent game and the manager kept me in at Millwall.

“I’m just going to continue to train and do the things I know I’m capable of, and the manager and players know I’m capable of, and play as I always do, keeping that smile on my face and motivating the rest of the players to continue pushing.”

Edwards admitted he recently had a clear-the-air chat with manager Mick McCarthy, adding: “It went well. I had a word with him, I asked certain things to clear the air and the rest is history. He thinks I can get back into the team, which I have done, and unless he says the opposite I’m happy to keep going.

“The manager’s door is always open and I can go in at any time to have a word with him. He’s been like that with all the players.”

Photo: Action Images

RoyKeanesDog added 07:44 - Jan 24 Love this bloke. Real respect for the club and one of the very few players to come out of both the Keane and Jewell years with his head held high.
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