MICK’S the man – that’s the view of former Ipswich Town play-off hero Marcus Stewart.

The ex-Blues striker rates McCarthy as the best manager he has played under after the pair worked together at Sunderland in the Premier League.

The 53-year-old, who, like Paul Jewell, has achieved promotion to the top-flight with two different clubs, remains the leading contender to take over at Portman Road.

And Stewart, who helped Ipswich achieve their last promotion to the Premier League, believes McCarthy would be an ideal choice.

Stewart said: “Mick is a top bloke, a top manager and Ipswich would benefit from having him.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him. I have played under lots of managers and have learnt things from all of them.

“But Mick is the best – I have huge admiration for him and he has a way about him that commands respect.

“His man-management skills are excellent. He is honest and straight-talking and that is why people think he is a disciplinarian.

“He has no airs and graces and I think most players just want to hear the truth.”

Fans appear a little divided over McCarthy’s apparent footballing style – some saying Town might resort to a long-ball game while others only worrying about the club moving away from the foot of the Championship – they are currently four points adrift.

But Stewart believes McCarthy would get the side playing the ‘Ipswich way’.

He explained: “I think Ipswich, as a club, have a brand of football.

“They are associated with a passing game, getting the ball down and getting it forward. I think the new manager has to understand that.

“Mick’s sides have always had creative players alongside the hard-workers and he always encouraged creative football.”

It remains to be seen whether McCarthy, who has managed both Carlos Edwards and Daryl Murphy at club level, will get the top job.