Conor Chaplin believes that team-mate George Edmundson is ready to step up for Ipswich Town after impressing in the first two games of January.

The centre-back was given the opportunity to start against Stoke City and AFC Wimbledon, with Cameron Burgess away at the Asian Cup and Axel Tuanzebe moving out of position to cover right-back.

He was arguably the Blues’ Man of the Match at the Bet365 Stadium of New Year’s Day, where he put in a commanding performance to keep a clean sheet and help his side earn a point.

Chaplin is optimistic that he can maintain his current performance levels and keep his place in the team, which would be a huge reward for all his hard work.

“Everyone loves him,” the attacking midfielder said. “He’s such a good guy and important part of the changing room and the dynamic. Big voice, big character and I was really happy for him today with the performance he put in.

“He deserves it, it’s been tough for him at times definitely because everyone wants to play, but he’s been training really well and got his head down, fully supported the boys that are playing in front of him, which is what we all expect from each other in this group.

“And that’s not a given – a lot of places aren’t like that, trust me! It’s also not easy to do that, but he has been for a long time and that’s fantastic.”

Following the stalemate at Stoke, manager Kieran McKenna was also full of praise for Edmundson.

"I thought George was a credit to himself at centre-half,” he admitted. “He's trained well over the last couple of months, been waiting for his opportunities and supporting his team-mates.

“He stood up really strong during those difficult first exchanges today and was composed all game. I thought he was excellent."

Edmundson has been linked with a move to League One outfit Portsmouth this month, although the Portsmouth News has claimed that John Mousinho’s side are worried that his involvement in Ipswich's starting lineup could derail any chances of the move materialising.