The 35-year-old was thrust into the limelight last week following the shock sacking of Andy Ritchie, having spent just six months running the Tykes' academy.

Davey, who had a journeyman career with the likes of Swansea and Carlisle, suddenly found himself in charge of a Championship side that had suffered five defeats in the last six games and dropped to second from bottom of the table.

Fans were left scratching their heads in puzzlement at Davey's promotion.

Bigger names such as Kevin Blackwell, Stuart McCall and Neil Redfearn had all been linked with the vacancy. But it looked an inspired move when Grant McCann's injury time volley on his debut secured a crucial win.

Davey was rewarded with an embrace from chairman Gordon Shepherd, even though Shepherd had been rumoured to have picked the team.

Playmaker Brian Howard was left out in the wake of his criticism of Ritchie's sacking, but Davey insisted this was his call.

The stand-in boss said: "I've not slept much in the last four days for obvious reasons, mainly because I was so shocked and surprised at the club's decision to ask me to be caretaker manager.

"I'm just delighted I've been able to help the team get a great win because every game is so important to us. I haven't thought about what might happen.

But every coach worth his salt wants to work at the highest level and I'm no different.

"When you are put in the hot-seat you have to take some difficult decisions, but nobody told me what team to play.

"I'll be in charge until someone tells me I'm not. It has been a whirlwind experience but one I'm really enjoying."

Alan Lee wasted Ipswich's best chance, shooting straight at Nick Colgan from Jon Macken's pass.

Macken could find his loan-move from Crystal Palace cut short by Ipswich boss Jim Magilton, however, after the striker took exception to being hauled off and tried to smash up the dug-out.

Magilton said: "If Jon Macken is feeling disappointed then he should look at himself and not others when he wants someone to blame."

The Mirror