Ex-Ipswich Town defender Aaron Cresswell has issued a heartfelt good luck message to his former club as they prepare for an exciting and nerve-wracking Championship promotion push.

Plucked from League One club Tranmere in 2011, the Liverpudlian left-back spent three seasons in the second tier with the Blues before making a £3.75m switch to West Ham last summer.

The 25-year-old’s incredible rise shows no signs of abating either. The only Hammers outfield player to be an ever-present in the Premier League this season, his impressive performances has led to speculation about a future England call-up.

And yet Ipswich – sixth in the table with seven games to go – will always have a special place in his heart.

“I’m really hoping that Ipswich make the play-offs at the very least,” enthused Cresswell, who jumped at the chance to speak about the Blues when contacted, personally clearing this interview with the West Ham press office during his international break.

“I’ve only been back once since I left. It was a home game earlier in the season and it meant a lot that so many fans stopped me and wished me well on my way into the ground that night.

“I’m hoping to get to the Tuesday night game that’s coming up (Cardiff, April 14) and then, if they make it, I’ll definitely be at the play-off semi-finals and final – as long as I can get one of the boys to sort me out a ticket! I’ve got all my fingers crossed for the lads.”

He continued “I know a lot of people probably saw Ipswich as promotion outsiders at best last summer, but there was a real feeling within the camp that this could be a successful season for the club.

“The gaffer (Mick McCarthy) is as good a manager as you could ask for in that division. He’s put together a fantastic squad and the team spirit is superb.

“I never doubted for one minute that Ty (Tyrone Mings) would step up the way he has, while getting Jonny Williams back is a big boost.”

Cresswell added: “I said it when I left last summer, but I can’t thank all the staff at Ipswich enough for what they did for me. They took a chance on me as a League One player, gave me the platform to improve and now here I am in the Premier League. And I want to thank the fans for being so supportive too.

“No-one had a bad word to say when I left, they knew it was a great opportunity for me, and I appreciate that.”