Manager Mick McCarthy says he’s been delighted with midfielder Luke Hyam since he took over at Portman Road just under a month ago. The 21-year-old is set to start for the first time under McCarthy’s management against Nottingham Forest at Portman Road tonight (KO 7.45pm).

“I’ve been pleased with Luke and quite clearly he seems to be a favourite, a lad that’s come through the club and through the youths,” McCarthy said.

“I think fans always like to see that and he got a warm reception coming on [on Saturday]. He’s done fine. I’ve no worries about him if he has to play.”

The Blues boss subsequently confirmed that the former Northgate High School pupil will start tonight, having been left out of the new manager’s first game in charge, despite being one if the few members of the Town team which lost at home to Sheffield Wednesday the previous week to have come out of the match with any credit.

McCarthy says he explained his decision to the academy product: “I spoke to him [before the Birmingham game], I knew he’d been in the team and Josh Carson had been in the team. But I thought it was a game for senior players and we won the game and I was proved right.

“That doesn’t mean to say that it’s going to be like that every game. What he’s done is get his head down and trained.

“I thought he was one of the better ones at Walsham-le-Willows in terms of his attitude and the way that he went about his job. That tells me a lot about people.”

McCarthy says he doesn’t get distracted by factors such as whether players are fans’ favourites or otherwise when picking his team: “I look at it objectively, I don’t get wrapped up in what other people think.

“I’m not really bothered because if you form a committee to design a horse, you end up with a camel.

“I think it’s great when the youngsters come through the ranks and they get in and they get readily accepted. But, to counter that, if they’re not doing particularly well the first thing people start shouting is for you to buy somebody.

“And I’ve seen it where some of the local lads are the first to get the abuse as well, which is kind of sad. But he got a lovely reception and I hope he gets a lovely reception on Tuesday when he starts.”

Another popular figure who hasn’t been getting a game lately is keeper Scott Loach, who was dropped in favour of loanee Stephen Henderson late in Paul Jewell’s time as boss.

McCarthy says Loach is coping with being on the bench and feels West Ham man Henderson proved his worth during the Peterborough match: “Scott’s dealing with it OK, like he has to do.

“There are three keepers with Arran as well, and only one spot. I’m sure when goals are flying in Scott is thinking he might get his chance, but he was injured beforehand anyway.

“I think you’ve got to give a bit of faith to goalkeepers, have a bit of belief. I don’t think Hendo had a lot in front of him protecting him when all those goals were flying in [at Leicester].

“Maybe he could have done a bit better with a couple of them, but he wasn’t given protection. He was excellent I thought on Saturday.”

Photo: Action Images

kevlowestoft added 06:13 - Nov 27 COYB....Big big game tonight
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bluefeast added 06:28 - Nov 27 Scientists have discovered if you form a committee to design a horse you get a camel.
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Len_Brennan added 06:29 - Nov 27 "If you form a committee to design a horse you get a camel" - excellent Mick. If Luke was left out of the team for much longer, he'd surely have gotten the hump. (sorry) Interesting words on Scott Loach, I'm not getting the impression that Mick fancies him much.
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bluefeast added 07:15 - Nov 27 Whats the point in marking down 3 reasonable posts. I see no point at all.
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oscarwhiting added 07:32 - Nov 27 If we score first tonight then I think we can only win. Town to win tonight 2-1 COYB
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taylor15 added 07:48 - Nov 27 this is only a great thing for luke hyam's performannces. to receive such praise from a man who knows the game will only improve him as a youngster. glad someone has seen a lads potential in the ipswich team for once. 2-1 win tonight! COYB!
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francisb123 added 07:53 - Nov 27 Why play a keeper who has no intention of being here after his loan, Play Loach who actually wants to be here and is equally if not better then henderson!
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StuartBrett8 added 08:13 - Nov 27 COYB!!
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TrumptonBlue added 08:19 - Nov 27 "And I've seen it where some of the local lads are the first to get the abuse as well, which is kind of sad." Obviously Mick watched us when Liam Trotter was here.
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Michael11 added 08:41 - Nov 27 Good luck tonight Luke. Hopefully he'll have a blinder and this will be the night where he finally nails down a place in the starting 11 at last! COYB!
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Chicago_Blue added 08:56 - Nov 27 I know I'll get slated for saying this, but all the hype and clamour involved around Hyam is totally lost on me. A good player, yes. But doesn't justify the gushing comments I hear and read about him.
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planetblue_2011 added 10:25 - Nov 27 Yes good words from MM. I'm glad he's giving Hyam his chance. He will shine I'm sure!! Gonna go for a town 3.2 win. I can see the goals flowing 2nite. I think Dj & smith will score & Barnett will get a debut goal if playing or coming off the bench. COYB
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Fatboy added 11:06 - Nov 27 I think Hyam has missed out on games under various managers due to the fact he looks about 12. In fact he is 21, which is a full 5 years older than Wickham was when he made his debut for Town. MM more or less confirms this with his comments re. the Birmingham game above.
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truthhurts added 11:09 - Nov 27 I remember when scowcroft got grief in his earlier years. Garvan too. Shameful behaviour by self appointed loyal fans. Would love to see Garvan still pulling the strings in our midfield now
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johnnyTGrotten added 22:14 - Nov 27 @Chicago Blue Man of the match tonight... Nuff said ;)
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