Boss tribute to Chambo ahead of Town's role in relegation scrap
Mick McCarthy has paid tribute to Luke Chambers for being an example to his team-mates following the skipper signing a new two year contract at Town.
The 31-year-old defender was the subject of an approach by his former club Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day in January as he entered the last few months of his contract at Portman Road.
That approach was rejected by the Club and Luke will now lead Town at the City Ground on Sunday, with Forest threatened by relegation to League One.
“I am delighted Chambo has signed. It’s good news for him and for the Club,” the Town boss told Ipswich Player HD.
“Forest did come in for him. They wanted to take him on a free by the way. We understood his position but at the time we were being dragged into a relegation battle and didn't know what division we would be in next season.
“He loves the place but his contract was running out and someone was offering him a two year deal.
“Anyone would have had their head turned but what shone out for me was from that time in January, he has been the same as he’s been over the last four years.
“He had an hour when he was understandably frustrated and perhaps feeling unwanted here and wanted somewhere else but that soon went.
“He has been terrific for us and has kept up that leadership and is an example to his team-mates. It's all worked out as we wanted in the end."
Subscribers to Ipswich Player HD can watch the full interview with Mick now.
The last day scenario
Forest are locked in three-way last day shoot-out with Blackburn and Birmingham, who are two points better off than their rivals.
Rovers, managed by former Town skipper, Tony Mowbray, are in action at Brentford, while Birmingham are at Bristol City.
Forest and Blackburn are separated only by goal difference with Forest one goal better off but if both win and Birmingham fail to win at Ashton Gate, the St Andrew’s club will go down.
Town team news
Loanee Tom Lawrence has gone back to Leicester after an ankle injury ruled him out of the Forest game. Tommy Smith (calf), Teddy Bishop (hamstring) are also out while David McGoldrick is a doubt with a neck problem. Injury has also forced loanee Toumani Diagouraga to return to Leeds. Adam Webster is back in the squad for the first time since sustaining ruptured ankle ligaments in January.
Last time we met
Forest struck inside 17 seconds through Britt Assombalonga and went on to win 2-0 at Portman Road back in November. It came at a time when Forest seemed to be climbing away from danger but their form has dipped over the last few months and they are now on the brink of relegation. The game between the clubs at Portman Road, like the one on Sunday, was covered live on Sky TV.
Match officials
Referee: Andy Davies
Assistants: Dan Cook and Geoffrey Russell
Fourth official: Graham Horwood
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Follow the game
Ipswich Player HD will carry live commentary from the City Ground, kick-off midday. As well as after match reaction from Mick and the players. Town’s social media channels will also have every kick.
