91Èȱ¬

Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell has said midfielder Lee Martin's impressive form is down to his willingness to mature.

The 25-year-old, who scored twice in Saturday's 3-0 win over Cardiff, was banished to the reserves following a sending off in August.

Jewell told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Suffolk: "He's loving the game and he's loving playing. I think he's matured as a person and a player.

"It's well documented we've had our ups and downs."

Jewell was furious with Martin after he was given his marching orders for a lunge during Town's 7-1 hammering by Peterborough United in the early part of the season.

That came four months after the former Manchester United winger saw red against Bristol City.

But he has now started all but one of Ipswich's last 14 games and has contributed three goals to the Suffolk side's four-game winning run, playing in a new role behind striker Michael Chopra.

"Lee always works hard in training. I think he's been a bit immature when he's been sent off or with his bookings," Jewell added.

"He's become more of a mature footballing person and he'll see the benefit of that on his game."

Jewell has seen improved performances across his whole squad in a streak that has lifted them 15 points clear of the drop zone and 11 points adrift of the Championship play-offs.

And the former Wigan and Derby manager has benefited from consistency in his starting 11, with Ibrahima Sonko being the only forced change in the last four games.

"I don't think anyone out of the team can complain at the moment," he said.

"They're realistic enough to know the lads at the moment who have got the shirt are deserving of it.

"We're not getting complacent thinking everything's hunky dory but we're improving and it's a good place to be."