Paul Digby was pleased with his performance on his full Championship debut at Middlesbrough, on an afternoon where he helped keep out one of the best sides in the league.

The 21-year-old was called into the middle of the Ipswich Town defence alongside Tommy Smith, due to Christophe Berra’s minor knee injury, and generally performed well against a Middlesbrough strikeforce which included £9million forward Jordan Rhodes.

Digby knows there are things he needs to work on, but was pleased with his display on what was his first league start for the Blues.

“He’s (Rhodes) a top player and we’re delighted to keep the clean sheet,” Digby said.

“It was a tough afternoon but we stuck at it, were aggressive from the start and kept a clean sheet and all that matters is that zero next to Middlesbrough.

“I thought I did really well, there are obviously things in my game I want to work on and improve but for my first start I’m delighted with my performance.

“It was a big challenge because his (Rhodes’) movement in and around the box is different class and you have to stay with him and stop him scoring however you can.

“It was a great test and I was just delighted to be playing.”