Owner Marcus Evans must seize the moment and back manager Mick McCarthy as momentum continues to grow at Portman Road.

That is the view of defender Luke Chambers who has been part of a remarkable transformation under the former Wolves boss.

McCarthy has picked up 46 points from 28 games in charge to edge Town to the brink of safety, revitalising an under-performing squad and performing shrewdly in the loan market.

With the Financial Fair Play model (FFP) officially coming into effect from next season, ordering Championship clubs to stick within a pre-defined limit on losses and shareholder equity investment – and the Blues almost £80m in debt – it remains to be seen how flexible McCarthy’s budget will be.

The former Republic of Ireland boss has big decisions to make over several contracted and loan players and while finances could play a part, Chambers insists now is as good a time as ever to push on.

“It will be a very big positive for us to get ourselves over that finishing line and look forward to next season, and if the owner is going to back the manager now, I think it is the right time,” said Chambers.

“The proof is in the pudding with the results and in my experience there are not many better managers than Mick McCarthy.

“He has been fantastic with every single player and the run we have been on since he came to the club gives you cause for optimism for next season.

“If we can try and keep the majority of the squad and add one or two, I don’t see why that would be any different.”