Mick McCarthy has said the Town defence will need to repeat their performance of Tuesday if they come up against Kevin Davies at the weekend. 

Davies was on target for Bolton in their 2-1 win at Blackburn in midweek and provides the focal point of the Wanderers’ attack. 

The 35-year-old has made more than 800 appearances in first-team football, with 500 plus in the Premier League and the Town boss is a fan of the striker who has been capped once by England. 

“Kev is a pal of mine, he’s also a very good player,” Mick told the Club website. 

“He’s been a fantastic servant to the game, a really top pro. He’s probably recognised as an old fashioned centre-forward but I don’t see anything wrong with that – an old fashioned striker who scores goals. 

“He scored the other night against Blackburn and if he plays at the weekend, our two central defenders – who were excellent against Forest – will have to be the same again.”

Subscribers to Ipswich Player can watch a full interview with Mick ahead of what will be Blues’ first trip to the Reebok Stadium in 10 years.