Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has praised team captain Luke Chambers for remaining professional despite being denied a January move.

The 31-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer and is yet to be offered a new deal at Portman Road, was the subject of a bid from Nottingham Forest a month ago but was prevented from leaving by McCarthy.

Chambers has been a key figure for the Tractor Boys in recent weeks, helping them to six points from four games playing in his preferred centre-back position, and his boss was delighted to see the veteran remain committed to the cause.

McCarthy told the Ipswich Star: "[Chambers] knuckled down on the day and I have seen so many players when they get disappointed, they don't down tools purposely – some do because they are like that – but others will be go 10% beneath their best because they have downed tools up [in their head].

"To be offered another contract for another two years at Nottingham Forest – he never asked to leave – but he's got security for his family, so would have had his head turned a bit.

"He has been brilliant, he is top-class as a professional and a captain and I can't speak highly enough of him. He has been up to that point and I've said before, he's as good a captain, if not the best I've ever had. He's been terrific, so well done to him."

Ipswich currently occupy 13th place in the Championship table.