It’s hard to imagine a tighter-knit squad in the Championship than Ipswich Town’s.

Take Paul Anderson, who emerged from the shadows at the weekend to score the vital goal in the play-off semi-final first leg against Norwich, ensuring the Blues go into Saturday’s second instalment at Carrow Road, level at 1-1.

Frustration has been the over-riding emotion for the ex-Liverpool man over the past few weeks, the 26-year-old playing a bit-part in the end-of-season run-in.

However, such is the quality of boss Mick McCarthy’s man-management that every Town player is staying onside.

“There’s a difference between sulking and being frustrated. I started the majority of games in the first half of the season, but recently I’ve been missing out, but that’s the manager’s choice,” said Anderson.

“I have not been playing the last few weeks but he (McCarthy) gives me reasons for it. He keeps you level-headed and your feet on the floor when you are doing well. When you are not doing so well he picks you up and is such a nice man.

“Some managers are maybe a bit paranoid that they will talk to you and then you will talk to someone else.

“But he’s a top gent and a pleasure to play for. Hopefully I can keep doing that for a lot longer.”

Anderson’s future is unclear, the wideman’s contract is up in the summer.

However, all he is focusing on right now is securing Carrow Road glory and improving his own play-off record.

“I was on the losing end a couple of times (with Nottingham Forest), I think a few (Ipswich) players have been there,” he added.

“I’m sure Norwich have experience, but hopefully we can rise above the occasion.”

More than 2,000 fans will cheer Town on in Norfolk and Anderson said: “When we went a goal down (on Saturday) they stayed behind us like they have all season,” he added.

“The away fans are unbelievable too, they are the best I have played for.”