HIS position in Paul Jewell’s diamond midfield might be a little more reserved than normal.

But joker Jimmy Bullard is sparkling more than ever as Jewell’s new-look Blues continue to go from strength-to-strength.

The mercurial midfielder has come through two tough away games in four days with flying colours to repay the faith his manager has always shown in him.

And despite his more defensive role, Bullard declared: “As long as we get a result, I’ll play anywhere. It is all about enjoying what you are doing and I am – I love it here and I am loving my footie. I’m feeling a lot better, I feel I can get around the pitch a lot more.”

Jewell surprised many by deploying Bullard at the base of his diamond midfield but the 32-year-old has revelled in the extra space he has found playing deeper than Lee Bowyer, Keith Andrews and Grant Leadbitter.

He said: “My role is sitting in front of the back four, getting on the ball as much as possible and trying to break up play. It means I don’t get as much licence to get forward as I would like – I don’t get past the halfway line these days – but that’s my job.”

Bullard, who admitted he felt “terrible” after his first appearance for the Blues – as a second half sub against Leeds – believes playing two strikers is a big reason for Town’s upturn in fortunes.

Jason Scotland has partnered Michael Chopra for the last three unbeaten matches and Bullard said: “The two upfront helps us get out a bit easier.

“They have been great upfront. Jason is a big, strong boy who holds the ball up well and helps us get up the pitch. He seems to have confidence and long may it continue.

“While Chopra is a great finisher and I am sure he is going to score plenty with Ipswich.”

* Read Dave Gooderham’s views on the Ibrahima Sonko and Danny Collins partnership at www.greenun24.co.uk/blogs