NEWLY-crowned players’ player of the year, Luke Chambers, has backed his fellow Ipswich Town award-winner Luke Hyam for a bright future.

The midfielder, who has played a crucial role in the Blues’ rise up the table, is destined to become a long-term fans’ favourite, and was named Most-Improved player by manager Mick McCarthy at the club’s awards evening, at Milsoms.

Chambers, who will be in contention to gain recognition at the Supporters’ Club Players Awards evening on Saturday, has waxed lyrical over the potential of the former Northgate High School pupil.

“Luke is only going to get better,” said Chambers, ahead of the event in the Legends Bar, at Portman Road, which runs between 6.30pm and midnight.

“He tries to make things happen every game, is enforcing himself on matches and trying to make an impact, trying to win tackles and headers.

“He is a proper fans’ player, with the work rate he puts in and the distance he covers, and he has been adding that little bit extra to his game over the last few weeks, getting forward and setting up goals.

“He has a bright future ahead and keeps his head down, treating every training session like a match-day.

“If there is a tackle to be won he will go and win it and having Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor at the club is only going to help him improve.”

As for Chambers, the former Nottingham Forest defender’s post-match fist pumps have become a regular occurrence as Town have shot up the table under McCarthy, following a woeful start under Paul Jewell.

“I think it came more out of relief really,” said Chambers.

“I enjoy my football and when we win, I am in the same boat as the fans and my team-mates, we are all together.”

The first team squad and management will be present at the Supporters’ Club event, and the fans’ player-of-the-year award plus a host of other trophies will be awarded.

Tickets cost £20, including buffet. They can be obtained from Liz Edwards by emailing itsc78@btinternet.com or by calling 07968 876504.