Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has hailed his captain fantastic, Luke Chambers, as the rejuvenated Blues prepare for Norwich with a spring in their step.

The 31-year-old is out-of-contract in the summer, although Town have the option to extend his deal for an extra year, and was offered a two-and-a-half year deal at Championship rivals, Nottingham Forest last month.

Former Forest man Chambers, who played with two cracked ribs in Saturday’s draw with Leeds United, was prevented from leaving the club by McCarthy in January, but has yet to agree a new deal in Suffolk.

He has been a key figure in recent weeks, helping Town to six points from four tough games, playing in his preferred centre-back position,

McCarthy, who described Chambers as arguably the best skipper he has managed, said: “He’s been an example to every professional footballer, any kid, on Deadline Day.

“He has not got a contract here, although if he is playing at centre-half, I would expect he would get one now – we have discussed that.

“To be offered another contract for another two years at Nottingham Forest – he never asked to leave – but he’s got security for his family, so would have had his head turned a bit.”

Having seen the move to Forest fail to materialise on Deadline Day, Chambers then played that same night as the Blues were beaten 3-0 at home to the Reds’ bitter rivals, Derby County, and was one of a few positives to come out of the heavy defeat.

Since then, with Chambers playing an integral role, the Blues have picked up six points from four games.

“He knuckled down on the day and I have seen so many players when they get disappointed, they don’t down tools purposely – some do because they are like that – but others will be go 10 per cent beneath their best because they have downed tools up here (pointed to his head).

“He (Chambers) has been brilliant, he is top-class as a professional and a captain and I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“He has been up to that point and I’ve said before, he’s as good a captain, if not the best I’ve ever had.

“He’s been terrific, so well done to him.”