FORMER Blues favourite Hermann Hreidarsson today forecast a significant rise up the table for the Blues.

The 36-year-old was a member of the Portsmouth defence that kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet in their 2-0 Championship victory at Portman Road on Saturday.

The larger-than-life Icelandic international was a member of the Ipswich defence when they finished fifth in the Premier League in 2000/01 and he has no thoughts of hanging up his boots.

“I’m sure Ipswich will move up the table,” said Hreidarsson. “They were the best team we have played for a number of weeks. They were well on top, but didn’t take their chances and as happens sometimes we were able to end up with a win.

“I still keep an eye on the team and closely watch their results and my time at Ipswich was massive. I had a wonderful time and so did the whole family and I have some great memories.

“It’s always nice to come back and I greatly appreciate the welcome Ipswich fans gave me.

“They were always good to me it was a good moment for me on Saturday. If I can stay fit I want to play another year and continue to do my job.”

Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill admitted: “We had to hang in there in the first half and the key, when you come away from home, is to stay in the game.

“Ipswich were red-hot and we were pleased to get in at half-time with the score 0-0. I don’t want to talk about David Norris as he is under contract with Ipswich but I have spoken to two Ipswich managers about him.

“Ipswich have arguably the best midfield trio in the division in Norris, Leadbitter and Bullard.”

“We’ve gone through two or three transitional periods in one season.”