Two of the Championship’s best midfielders go head-to-head tonight, as the play-off chasing Blues host second-top Middlesbrough.

Town’s ‘Mr. Consistent’ Cole Skuse pulls the strings for Ipswich and will be coming up against former Blues star Grant Leadbitter who, after an indifferent spell in Suffolk, has become a key to the Teesiders’ success under Aitor Karanka – his goals and leadership qualities proving invaluable.

While Town have a resurgent frontman in Daryl Murphy and ‘Boro boast David Nugent – a thorn in Ipswich’s side at Portman Road in recent years – the battle could well be won in the engine room.

Town skipper Luke Chambers certainly thinks Skuse could play an influential role despite his understated style and says Blues fans are starting to see the best of a player who, in his opinion, could play in England’s top flight.

“For me, the crowd are starting to see it (Skuse’s influence) and he is a bit of an unsung hero,” said Chambers, who will lead the Blues out in tomorrow night’s televised clash.

“He would be the first name on the team sheet for me, given what he does for the team. On the pitch he is phenomenal.

“The things he does go unnoticed but he gets around the pitch and covers as much ground as anyone. You want him on your team.

“As a result, I think we are starting to see the best of Jonathan Douglas as he is able to get forward, knowing Cole will sit in.

“That also allows myself and Jonas (Knudsen) to get forward more as Cole will drop in alongside Tommy (Smith) and Bez (Christophe Berra).”

On Skuse potentially playing higher, Chambers added: “He’s different class and there are one or two of them (Premier League standard) in our team.

“It’s up to us to support them and get ourselves into the top six.”