He grew up cheering the Blues on from the stands at Portman Road but Luke Hyam never thought he would get the chance to grace the hallowed turf.

His dream came true under former manager Roy Keane but the former Northgate High School pupil has only really started to stamp his authority on proceedings under Mick McCarthy.

“The season has finished really well for me and it is nice that the fans sing about me,” said Hyam, referring to the Town faithful’s chant labelling the youngster as “One of our own”.

“I used to watch Ipswich as a boy from the stands, when I was 13 or 14, but I never thought it would happen, so when I come through the tunnel every game, it’s a dream come true.

“I grew up watching the likes of Matt Holland, David Johnson and Darren Bent and it’s a really good feeling to be able to play for the club.”

In Holland, Hyam has a player that he could potentially model his game on.

Having added an attacking edge to his game in recent weeks, Hyam is fast becoming a rounded midfielder, just like Hoilland who was a regular scorer from the Ipswich engine room.

“If I could emulate what Matt Holland did or do better, it would be out of this world,” said Hyam.

“The main thing is to keep improving and that goes for all the young lads at the club.

“Jack Marriott has been training with the first team and he works really hard on his game.”

“We have some good young players at the club and I am sure they can push on to the under-21s and the first team.”