IPSWICH TOWN: Blues keeper Marton Fulop has revealed how his relationship with central defender Gareth McAuley started to blossom at Leicester City in 2007/08.

IPSWICH TOWN: Blues keeper Marton Fulop has revealed how his relationship with central defender Gareth McAuley started to blossom at Leicester City in 2007/08.

The Hungarian international spent over four months on loan at the Walkers Stadium from Sunderland and played 27 times.

“I could see how good Gareth was then,” said Fulop, who has put in a succession of strong displays since he joined on a �1.1million transfer from the Black Cats in August.

“And he’s even better now with the extra experience he has had.

“Gareth is one of the best central defenders in the Championship.”

Fulop and McAuley have played a big part in Town’s rise to fifth place prior to their game against Coventry City at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm) this afternoon.

And Fulop has experience of playing for the Sky Blues having gained some valuable experience playing 27 times between the posts while on Tottenham’s books in 2005/06.

Fulop welcomes the continued Carling Cup involvement even though he is regularly ‘rested’ for those games.

Town entertain League Two Northampton for a place in the quarter finals on October 26 and Fulop said:

“Brian Murphy has come in and done very well for the three wins in the cup so far. The competition gives others a chance to stake their claim, and it certainly has the effect of keeping me on my toes.”