Chris Hughton is not surprised Ipswich are prospering in the Championship under his good pal and former international team-mate Mick McCarthy.

Londoner Hughton and Yorkshireman McCarthy were mainstays for years in the Republic of Ireland defence.

Tonight at the Amex, Albion's boss will be trying to bridge a 22-point gap between their respective teams in his second home game in charge.

Hughton said: "I've had a few battles against him, but not so many. Most of the battles have been with him, playing in the same team for the Republic.

"Mick is a good friend, somebody I have spoken to a lot through all the jobs he has had, Republic manager, at Sunderland and Wolves.

"He is somebody I know well and it's never a surprise to me when I see Mick doing well, because he is an outstanding manager."