Luke Hyam has expressed his gratitude to Blues boss Mick McCarthy and assistant, Terry Connor, as he looks to go on the offensive with Ipswich Town.

The young midfielder has just one career goal for the Blues but was at the heart of Town’s best attacking openings over the Easter period, a spell that yielded four crucial points in their battle against the drop.

Hyam has become a real fans’ favourite for his never-say-die attitude and his ability to break up opposition attacks but is also emerging as a useful attacking outlet too.

The 21-year-old, who set up David McGoldrick’s double in the 3-0 home win against Leeds United and twice went close to scoring at Millwall, has faith in his attacking ability but suggested he was pigeonholed for his defensive attributes under former bosses, Roy Keane and Paul Jewell.

“Previous managers have always wanted me to sit in front of the back four but Terry Connor and the manager see a bit more in me from an attacking point of view,” said Hyam, ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Derby County at Pride Park.

“They have given me more licence to get forward more and they want me to be a box-to-box midfielder, which is something I feel I am capable of.

“I have got the legs to get up and down the pitch and I am working on my finishing and attacking play.

“I want to help the team out in more ways which is what everyone has to do. Everyone needs to attack and defend.”

Hyam was inches away from doubling his Town tally for the season at the New Den but after his audacious 50-yard shot was cleared off the line by Mark Beevers, the youngster was then denied by a superb stop from goalkeeper David Forde.

“I think the wind may have held the ball up and had it been going in the opposite direction, then it may have crept in,” said Hyam, reflecting on the first of those two chances.

“That was a bit unlucky and then Lee Martin nearly got to the rebound after the second chance.

“If we keep creating chances, then the goals will come.”