Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy believes he has three players of Premier League quality in his squad.

The Blues are currently sixth in the Championship and unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions, but a number of fringe players disappointed in Saturday’s scrappy 1-1 draw with League One side Preston in the FA Cup.

That performance has led to many questioning whether the Blues have the strength-in-depth required to maintain a play-off push during the second half of the season, but McCarthy has been quick to highlight the ability of key trio Aaron Cresswell, Cole Skuse and David McGoldrick.

Left-back Cresswell leads the way in terms of Championship assists (10), with McCarthy admitting recently that top-flight clubs could come calling over the coming months.

And now the Blues boss has heaped praise on summer signings Skuse and McGoldrick.

Saturday was the first game that tidy midfielder Skuse has not started this season, while striker McGoldrick took his goal tally for the season to 12.

On the latter, he said: “He’s been a really good signing. He was when he was here on loan last season and he’s just got better, he’s continued develop.

“If players are excelling in the Championship everybody starts looking at whether they could play in the Premier League. Well Didz has certainly got the ability to play in the Premier League.

“I think all through his career he’s always been looked at as a talented individual. For whatever reason he’s never really fulfilled his potential, but he has probably matured and grown up and now appreciates what he’s got. He’s a great guy in the dressing room and around the place and is an outstanding player.”

On Skuse, he said: “He’s terrific. It was Sean O’Driscoll (ex Bristol City manager) who told me ‘you know he’s a good player now, but when you get him the building you’ll see he’s even better than you thought’. That’s been the case. He’s a delightful young man too.

“I watch a lot of Premier League football and I think he could play at that level too. He can use both feet, he’s competitive, he’s quick and athletic. He’s got a good all-round package.”