Ipswich Town’s Grant Ward feels he is ‘most influential’ in central midfield.

The 22-year-old, who started the season on the right of midfield for the Blues, has been impressive in a central role of late - particularly in the back-to-back wins over Burton Albion and Newcastle United.

“I like playing in the middle,” said Ward, who has also played at right wing-back this season.

“I can play in a variety of positions but I do like it in there (central midfield), I can be a bit more influential on the ball and help the team a bit more.

“I think I can offer a bit more with a few more goals (Ward has contributed six goals this season after scoring a dream hat-trick on his debut) and stuff, but I feel like I’ve been playing well and I’ve been happy with my performances.”

Ward, who will hope to retain his place against Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon, the team he spent a season’s loan at in 2015/16, continued: “I feel that’s (central midfield) where I’m most influential.

“But I think like the game has changed a bit now – if you look at most of the top teams, most of their players play in different positions so I think it’s another string to the bow.

“I’ve played right wing-back many times, as well as at left wing-back, and I’m comfortable there. If he (Mick McCarthy, the Ipswich Town boss) needs me to play there I can do a job.”

Alongside experienced-head Cole Skuse and promising Cardiff City loanee Emyr Huws, Ward has been enjoying himself.

“I’ve been enjoying working with Cole (Skuse) and Emyr (Huws).

“He (McCarthy) just tells me where he wants me to play and then I can have a bit more freedom, we’re all quite a young group and cover each other.

“You need someone like Cole (Skuse) in your team. Most top teams in the world all have a holding midfielder, and you need someone to be there who’s going to give you stability.

“It’d be nice for Emyr to stay, obviously he’s going to assess his options (when his loan finishes at the end of the season) and see what is best for him, but it’d be nice for us.”

A win for Ipswich at Ward’s former loan club Rotherham could lift Town up to 12th place.