Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and leading scorer Conor Chaplin have heaped praise on defender Greg Leigh after he impressed stepping in for Leif Davis on Saturday.  

Davis, who leads Town in assists with ten this season - good for second in League One - was a surprise omission from the trip to Derby County.

McKenna revealed after the 2-0 win that left back Davis had picked up a hamstring injury in training, with Leigh stepping in.

East Anglian Daily Times: Greg Leigh hadn't started since January 2 before SaturdayGreg Leigh hadn't started since January 2 before Saturday (Image: Ross Halls)

It was his first league start since January 2, but it didn't show, as he impressed in a tough match-up against Derby star Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

And McKenna said Leigh's display just demonstrates the strength in depth of the Blues.

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"We’ve been pretty consistent with the team selection but we've been saying that the moments will be coming and everyone will be needed," he explained.

"We have eight games this month. 

"In a way, it was a good way to start this month off; with Greg coming into the team having not played in quite a while but having trained so well and having been such a supportive member of the group.

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"He’s shown that he's ready to give to the team.

"He's kept himself in good condition, he knows his job to a tee, and he came in and delivered a performance like that against one of the best wingers in the league.

"I'm delighted for him and it’s a really good reflection on the group." 

East Anglian Daily Times: Conor Chaplin said Leigh was 'exceptional' at DerbyConor Chaplin said Leigh was 'exceptional' at Derby (Image: Pagepix)

Chaplin, who hit 20 goals for the season in the win, added: "That epitomises everything about this group of lads. 

"Leif has played for the majority of the season, has been really good for us and has been an important player. 

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"Greg came in, put a shift in and put in a performance like that, which was nothing short of exceptional.

"I’m so happy for him. He works so hard and he’s such a good guy to have around the place. 

"His standards in training are very good and he got what he deserved because he’s been a really good team player throughout the season."