MANAGER Joe Royle's decision to make Jim Magilton captain has brought out the best in Jermaine Wright.The midfield player, who will be 28 later this month, is now playing his best football since Ipswich Town finished fifth in the Premiership in 2000/01.

By Elvin King

MANAGER Joe Royle's decision to make Jim Magilton captain has brought out the best in Jermaine Wright.

The midfield player, who will be 28 later this month, is now playing his best football since Ipswich Town finished fifth in the Premiership in 2000/01.

He admits that his form dipped in the intervening period as Town suffered relegation back to the First Division.

"But I am back now," said Wright today as he prepared for the visit of Rotherham to Portman Road tomorrow.

"I room with Jim and we have been mates for some while. He leads by example and kicks every ball in every game.

"His enthusiasm rubs off and he is respected by everybody.

"Jim is never afraid to hand out a rollicking, but he has certainly helped to bring out the best in me since he stepped up to take the captaincy."

Wright also praises the part played by Chris Bart-Williams in his renaissance. The loanee from Charlton Athletic has helped transform the Ipswich midfield following some inept performances at the start of the season.

"We have recently won three league games on the bounce, and that is no coincidence," added Wright. "And we did well at Sunderland despite losing.

"Chris and Jim compliment each other and have stabilised our midfield. We have clicked and become a more potent unit since Chris' arrival.

"Alan Mahon has also made a difference and we now have more options going forward. I am pleased with my recent performances and playing on the right again, as I did three seasons ago, is a bonus.

"I had a dip in form for a couple of years – at the same time as a number of other players. This resulted in our drop down from the Premiership.

"But the confidence is back now. It would be nice to score a few more goals but otherwise everything is going well."

Wright feels more settled after his marriage to long-time partner Terri during the summer. The couple, who have four children between them, have been seeing each other for ten years.

"I feel more settled and I am fitter now than I was at the start of the season," said Wright, who was once talked about in terms of an England place.

He feels Town have plenty of goals in them, but would like to see fewer goals in the conceded column.

"What we must do is to stop letting in sloppy goals," he said. "We are finding it difficult to deal with crosses, and Rotherham will no doubt use route one tomorrow.

"No disrespect to them, but they are a side we ought to beat at Portman Road and three points would put us back on track after the 3-2 defeat at the Stadium of Light.

"The league looks like being an open one this season and there should be plenty to look forward to."