Defender Richard Stearman has assured Blues fans he will deal with whatever the next chapter of Town’s turbulent season throws at him.

The Wolves loanee is expected to make his Ipswich debut at home to Championship play-off chasers Middlesbrough tomorrow, replacing the now-departed Bradley Orr at right-back.

The Blues are in a tricky situation, following just two points from a possible 12, and are just four points clear of the drop-zone with a vastly inferior goal difference to the bottom three.

Stearman has clocked up over 250 league and cup appearances for his parent club Wolves and Leicester City, despite being just 25, and has already experienced several highs and lows. However, he believes such experiences are character-building.

“I have been through administration (Leicester), promotions and relegations so I am well-versed as to what can happen throughout a football career at such a young age, but that has probably stood me in good stead for the future,” said Stearman, who will remain at Portman Road until the end of the season.

“I was into double figures at Leicester, in terms of the number of managers I played under, while it’s been a bit of a mad year at Wolves as the club tries to find the right formula in the Championship.”

Under McCarthy, Town have been stabilised somewhat – following a disastrous start under Paul Jewell – although their season has hit a sticky spot recently, with a lack of concentration at crucial times, costing them dear. Despite that, Stearman is confident Town have the right men in charge.

“It’s nice to be back with Mick (McCarthy). He is a winner and a fighter. At Wolves we had three relegation battles in the Premier League, year after year, so it’s nothing new to him and TC (Terry Connor) and they know how to get out of trouble,” said Stearman.

“You certainly know where you stand with the gaffer. If you’re playing well you know about it, if you’re not then you certainly know about it. I like that in a manager.”