Ipswich Town legend Kevin Beattie says he is ‘absolutely staggered’ that Christophe Berra wasn’t named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
Norwich’s Russell Martin and Derby’s Richard Keogh claimed the centre-back slots in the side, which is voted for by the players, even though Scottish international Berra had better stats when it came to tackles, blocks, interceptions, aerial duels and goals scored (6).
“I find it absolutely staggering that he wasn’t in the Championship Team of the Year,” said Beattie, a former centre-back who is widely considered to be the club’s best ever player.
“Without a doubt he’s the best centre-back in this division. I can’t remember him having a bad game.
“He’s tremendous in the air, he reads the game superbly, he wears his heart on his sleeve and puts his body on the line. He’s the sort that would head a brick wall for the team.
“For me, he’s one of eleven captains we have out on that pitch.”
Ipswich head into the final day of the regular season knowing they will secure a play-off place if they avoid defeat at Blackburn. The trio of Derby, Brentford and Wolves are all still in contention for fifth and sixth spots though and goal difference could yet end up being crucial.
All Championship matches kick-off at 12.15pm on Saturday, with Ipswich’s game at Ewood Park, as well as Derby v Reading, to be shown live on Sky Sports.
“I’m confident we’ll do it,” said Beattie. “I know there’s been a lot of talk about (ex Ipswich striker) Jordan Rhodes, and I understand why, but he’s just one player. They’ve got Rudy Gestede too, a striker I really rate, but our front lads are firing too and their back four is not looking too sharp.
“I know Blackburn away is a tough looking fixture and that, on paper, Derby, Brentford and Wolves all have easier fixtures (they are all at home, to Reading, Wigan and Millwall respectively), but that expectancy could actually make things difficult for them if they don’t score early.
“That said, I don’t think we can worry about the other games. We just have to play our normal game and we’ll be fine.”
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