Gareth McAuley believes Pablo Counago is one of the best strikers in the Coca-Cola Championship.

The Ipswich Town skipper was full of praise for his team-mate after watching him return to form with a goal in Wednesday’s 3-1 success against Bristol City.

Counago will be gunning to add to his tally in tomorrow’s home date with Cardiff City and often saves his most influential performances for Portman Road.

And, referring to the popular Spaniard, McAuley said: “I’ve played against him and he’s always been a handful.

“On his day he’s the best of his type in the division and he was our star man on Wednesday.

“He took his goal so well, although he took the ball off my head to do so. He couldn’t have placed the ball any better.”