Franck Queudrue in action against reading

Franck Queudrue's performance in the centre of defence has given Alex McLeish food for thought when it comes to picking his side against Ipswich, according to the Blues boss.

The Frenchman stepped into the centre of defence against Reading as a replacement for Liam Ridgewell - who was suspended for the fixture after collecting five cautions.

Although Ridgewell is now back available, McLeish says there is no guarantee that he will return straight to the team, because of Queudrue's impressive showing against the Royals.

"Franck can be delighted with his performance at the weekend," said McLeish.

"He's got a big heart, he makes the tackles and he's aggressive in the air with the headers and he uses the ball well.

"I think if he's at his peak fitness he can be a formidable centreback.

"He threaded three or four balls through to the strikers at the weekend.

"I know we didn't see a lot of fantastic football from the team but Franck will always look to make a telling pass.

"Ridgewell is back in contention, but Franck played well and you have to be fair to players that come into the team and play well.

"Whether Franck moves back to left back and Ridge comes in that's another option, but we'll certainly look at it from the point of view that Queudrue has had a good game."