Cole Skuse is backing Leon Best to make a real impact at Portman Road when he’s fit and firing on all cylinders. 

Republic of Ireland international Leon joined Blues as a free agent at the end of August after impressing while spending a week training with the Club, and started for the first time in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Brighton.

“He’s settled in well. He knows a few of the boys already so that always helps and he’s a good character,” Cole told the Club website. 

“He’s a great addition to the squad. People in the game know about his calibre. He’s strong, good in the air. He can link up the play well and he’s got a goal in him. 

“Leon’s a top player. He hasn’t played a lot of football lately but when he is 100 per cent, he is going to be a real handful. 

“The Villa players would have known what they were in for when the gaffer put Leon and Varns [Luke Varney] on in the last five minutes of that game. They are both a real handful. 

“You’ve got to be a good player, obviously but he [Mick McCarthy] also wants players that are going to settle into the dressing-room easily.  If anyone steps out of line, we have two or three individuals who soon have a quiet word!”