Mick McCarthy relishes the festive programme and says it’s an important part of the football calendar. 

Blues take on Charlton at the Valley today in the second of four games in the space of 10 days.

“It’s always a busy schedule at Christmas – an important one as well with so many points at stake – but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says the Town boss.

“People talk about winter breaks in the game but I wouldn’t change a thing. The tradition of playing over Christmas and New Year is special. You get bigger crowds, you get exciting games.  It’s a fantastic time.

“Yes we were training Christmas morning, then rushed home to have dinner with our families. And we were travelling Christmas Day for the Charlton game and staying in a hotel overnight but that’s what you do in football and we get paid well enough to compensate for it.”

Kick-off against the Addicks is 1pm.