Second in the table with five wins from the last six matches, but Mick McCarthy’s mantra remains the same.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game at Bolton, a side rejuvenated under new manager Neil Lennon, the Blues boss said: “You know my philosophy – if I was offered a point then I’d take it now. There’s no such thing as a bad away point in this league.

“That was the case at Charlton actually. We were heading for a point and I was happy with that, then we had Jonny on the spot in Hunty (Noel Hunt) and ended up with all three.

“We’ll be going there to win, but if we end up with a point I won’t be complaining.”

Town have overcome several tricky looking hurdles in a superb run which has seen them suffer just one defeat in 16 matches.

There was a fear that struggling Blackpool could raise their game for Lee Clark’s first game in charge. Town produced a highly-professional 2-0 win at Bloomfield Road.

Wolves and Watford both arrived at Portman Road higher in the table and in good form. They were seen off by scorelines of 2-1 and 1-0 respectively.

Bournemouth were second when Town travelled to the south coast. McCarthy’s men showed huge spirit to twice come from behind and secure a 2-2 draw against a slick footballing side.

Then came the last-gasp win at a Charlton side who were previously undefeated at The Valley followed by last weekend’s comfortable 4-1 home win over a Leeds side who had just beaten league-leaders Derby.

Now it’s Bolton – a side who have gone from 23rd to 17th since ex-Celtic boss Lennon replaced Dougie Freedman in the hot-seat back in October.

The Trotters have won all four of their home games since the change, beating Brentford (3-1), Cardiff (3-0), Wigan (3-1) and Huddersfield (1-0). There have also been draws at Blackpool and Reading.

“They’re five unbeaten now,” said McCarthy. “It’s funny isn’t it? A new manager comes in, changes things around, finds a new formula – a new shape or a new team – and suddenly it picks up.

“You get a few results and everyone starts to believe again. They are a tougher prospect for us than they would have been a few weeks ago.”

Luke Hyam (Achilles) remains sidelined for Town, while Stephen Hunt has also been ruled out (virus).

Bolton will be without leading goalscorer Craig Davies (hamstring), with new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen – whose last appearance for the Trotters was a play-off semi-final against Town in 2000 – set to make his second debut for the club.