Kieron Dyer thinks Ipswich Town have a strike duo that would not look out of place in the Premier League.

East Anglian Daily Times: David McGoldrick back fit and strong and looking good for Ipswich TownDavid McGoldrick back fit and strong and looking good for Ipswich Town (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

The former Town star and England international, like all Blues fans, was delighted to see Tom Lawrence and David McGoldrick strike up a potent partnership against Reading, at Portman Road, on Saturday.

And although Town only picked up a point against the Royals, the performance – of not just the two forwards but the team as a whole – was encouraging.

“People know what I think of David McGoldrick,” Dyer said.

“Didzy is class and if he can keep fit, along with Tom Lawrence who is having a great season, then Mick McCarthy has a Premier League strikeforce at his disposal, there is no doubt about that. They could both play in the Premier League.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kieron Dyer - feels Ipswich have a Premier League strikeforce in Tom Lawrence and David McGoldrickKieron Dyer - feels Ipswich have a Premier League strikeforce in Tom Lawrence and David McGoldrick (Image: Copyright Ashley Pickering)

“On Saturday, the pair of them were pretty unplayable and if they can keep their partnership and form going, then February looks more promising than it did a few weeks ago.

“The problem this season has been stringing results together.

“It’s still a tough run of games ahead for us - Villa, Brighton, Leeds, Norwich. But fans can be more optimistic now.”

Dyer was also pleased to see that Tommy Smith, who has been battling a long-term back injury, came through 90 minutes with the under-23s on Monday night, as they thrashed Watford 8-0.

East Anglian Daily Times: David McGoldrick keeps his eye on the ball during the Ipswich Town v Reading (Sky Bet Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 04 February 2017. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.comDavid McGoldrick keeps his eye on the ball during the Ipswich Town v Reading (Sky Bet Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 04 February 2017. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

“I had my fair share of injuries when I played and it’s amazing how much fans miss you when you are not playing,” Dyer said.

“When you are playing week in, week out, sometimes you are not appreciated.

“Then, when you are out, fans can’t seem to wait for your return.

“Tommy has been an excellent player for Ipswich and pretty well a Mick McCarthy regular.

“It will be good to have him back in the squad and give Mick more options, especially as we seem to be settling to playing three at the back at the moment.”

However Dyer, like most Town fans, although buoyed by the Reading performance sees other teams around the Blues still fighting for points.

“Although the performance was good, we only got a point against Reading,” he added.

“Things are looking brighter. But the likes of Burton, Blackburn and Forest all won on Saturday.”