Ipswich Town striker Frank Nouble says he has no idea what the outside opinion of him and the club is, but he does believes that any critics should get real.

The 22-year-old always runs his socks off for the team and has all the physical attributes required.

And while he may not always be the best player on the pitch in terms of technical ability, manager Mick McCarthy and assistant Terry Connor believe they can polish a rough diamond with a bit of care and attention.

Nouble has received mixed reviews on internet forums, radio phone-ins and social networking websites, but the laid-back Londoner says he is happy with his progress.

“I’ll be honest with you, I don’t really think about stuff like that – who’s watching and who sees what,” said Nouble. “If I know I’ve done a good job and that my manager, coaches and team mates appreciate me then that’s all that matters.

“Of the (18 league) games I’ve started we’ve only lost two or three I think (three). I don’t think that’s a bad record. When I’m in the side we tend to do quite well.

“I feel like I’m improving every day. You have to play games to learn your trade and I feel I’ve progressed this season.

“There’s a lot more to come from me. People think I’m 26 or 27 or something because I’ve had so many clubs (three parent clubs and seven brief loan spells prior to joining the Blues), but I’m still only 22.”

He continued: “I don’t really care about criticism – I switch off from all that easily. I think it’s been a good year for the team and I see myself as being part of that.

“I don’t really know what’s been said, it’s the first I’m hearing of anything. I’m not really fazed by it.

“I think the team has done really well and everyone should be encouraging and getting behind the team.

“The club is in the best position for, what, four or five years? I don’t know what good football people have been watching before, but this team was bottom of the league not that long ago and now we’re battling for the top six.

“I think everyone should be pushing in the same direction. I don’t really understand any negativity around this club.”

Nouble – who has recovered from the tight hamstring which prematurely ended an impressive performance in last weekend’s 1-0 home win over Birmingham – is set to start at Middlesbrough tomorrow.