IVAR Ingimarsson is a “leader of men” character who will bring steel to Paul Jewell’s squad.

IVAR Ingimarsson is a “leader of men” character who will bring steel to Paul Jewell’s squad.

That is the verdict of former Ipswich Premier League hero Hermann Hreidarsson who has given his unstinting backing to the 33-year-old Town target.

With discussions still ongoing with the former Reading club captain, Hreidarsson insists his former Icelandic international team mate would be a great signing for his old club.

“I don’t think Town fans will be disappointed,” said Hreidarsson. “Ivar is of course an experienced player and a top footballer and top character. He is one you can count on for sure, and he will improve the players around him.”

A lack of “characters” was something Roy Keane first picked up on with his Town side lacking dressing room influence and voices on the pitch.

It seems Jewell has picked up on this problem and centre-back Ingimarsson would go some way to solving it.

Some fans might be concerned by the defender’s age and his recent injury record but Hreidarsson is convinced his fellow defender has a lot to offer.

He said: “He knows the league and has won the Championship with Reading. He won’t be shy – he’s a real leader of men. Ivar certainly ticks all the right boxes.”

Ingimarsson, who has been capped 30 times by Iceland, was released by Reading at the end of last season after eight successful years at the Madejski Stadium. And Hreidarsson, 37 next month, could line up against his good friend after revealing that he is set to sign a new contract at Portsmouth.

As for Town’s starting XI next season, speculation continues as to who will start upfront when the Championship kicks off in August. Michael Chopra remains a top target, but it remains to be seen whether Cardiff City will wait until a new manager is appointed before making a decision on the 28-year-old.

And contrary to fears that surfaced yesterday, Connor Wickham is not about to join his England Under-21 team mate Jordan Henderson and sign for Liverpool – yet.

Unlike the midfielder, Wickham boarded the plane bound for the European Championships in Denmark and Town, who are under no pressure to sell, are not expected to decide on his future until after the tournament.