Luke Chambers

The club captain has become the most influential figure at Portman Road since he first joined the club from Championship rivals Nottingham Forest back in 2012. Over the course of four years he has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet and is the inspirational lynch pin in the Ipswich back-line.

In 2012/13, Chambers was a key player in a run of 12 clean sheets in the final 22 games of the Championship league season. He has now become a popular player with the fans and has become the individual that McCarthy has built his defence around.

If Ipswich are to launch an assault on the promotion spots this season then Chambers will need to enjoy a vintage season. He is 30 years of age meaning he has a wealth of experience but still has years left to play at centre back.