Boss Mick McCarthy says midfielder Anthony Wordsworth could play in the role currently occupied by loanee Jonny Williams. The Blues manager believes the former Colchester man is versatile enough to play in a number of positions.

Having impressed in the victories over Brighton and Derby the 25-year-old admitted that he was bitterly disappointed to be left out for the draw with Nottingham Forest, the man he had replaced, Cole Skuse, having returned from injury.

The Londoner was back in the side for the defeat at Blackburn but was on the bench for the victory at Huddersfield, when he played the final 16 minutes, and on Saturday when he didn’t make it on to the pitch.

McCarthy says he was pleased with Wordsworth’s performance at Ewood Park and that having started those three games the midfielder feels more a part of the Town first-team squad.

“I don’t think he played badly at Blackburn,” he said. “I thought he played well but I wanted to go with the two wingers, who had been rested, left out, whatever way anyone wants to put it.

“I changed the team and it worked well. I thought Hunty and Ando were excellent [at Huddersfield]. Woody is happy in the knowledge that he’s part of it and he can compete for a central role in that team. If Luke Hyam or Skusey are below par or injured, he can play. I think it’s great.”

Although viewing Wordsworth primarily as someone to vie for inclusion with Hyam and Skuse, McCarthy says he could move further forward to a role the player himself recently said he would like to play, believing he did well there when with the U’s.

“He is a central midfield player but I think he’s a good footballer and he can play a number of positions,” McCarthy added.

“If Jonny Williams wasn’t here he could maybe play in a three in there as the one that could get forward.

“A bit like Paul Green, he’s another who has just kept his head down and kept playing but I’m afraid Jonny’s taken that position for himself and nobody’s likely to get that off him the way he’s playing.”

Wales international Williams is currently due to remain with the Blues until May 3rd, although his parent club Crystal Palace are able to recall him at 24 hours' notice. If they don't utilise that option, the loan could be extended into a third month if Town make the play-offs.

McCarthy says players, such as Wordsworth, Green, Frazer Richardson and Tyrone Mings, who have been on the fringes of his team without getting too many chances, have remained professional and onside throughout the season.

“They’re good characters,” he said. “They certainly get coached and managed correctly, they’re not just left to stew in their juices. I speak to them and TC speaks to them and makes sure they are feeling all right about it.

“I explained to Frazer when he came that it was as back-up and in case anything happened, and I’ve had that discussion since, which he understands, which is great. It’s not always the case.”

He says he has also talked to Mings, who had been frustrated by his lack of opportunities having been kept out of the team by Aaron Cresswell until he came back into the side for Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Doncaster, the Liverpudlian missing out with a groin problem.

“On the face of it he looks all right but I’ve spoken to him a couple of times because I think in any other circumstance, in lots of other teams, he’d be playing,” McCarthy added.

“It’s really difficult. It’s not like we can let him out on loan because I don’t have another left-back, so I’ve had to explain that to him. But he understands and he’s had to be patient and he’s great to have because he can play anywhere across the back four.”

He says winger Alex Henshall, who is on loan for the rest of the season from Manchester City with his contract up in the summer, could get his chance at some point.

“He’s done well, he trains with the first team, he doesn’t look out of place. He’s fine,” McCarthy continued.

“He’s a good footballer, he’s got really good pace, he’s got a really good left foot, I think he’s got a lot to offer us. He’s got quick feet, he strikes the ball well, I think he’s got a goal in him.”

Photo: Action Images

BlueMachines added 06:16 - Apr 15 So could Taylor!
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BlueMachines added 06:19 - Apr 15 Excited to see Henshall. MM must rate him as he is already in the squad. I can't remember having genuine pace in the team since Petta!!
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cooper4england added 06:24 - Apr 15 Forget Taylor for crying out loud
21

hampstead_blue added 06:43 - Apr 15 Taylor could but clearly doesn't want too. Woody, on the other hand, has allowed himself to be coached and has improved his game. MM and TC are two of the best coaches in football. I trust them on selection. Great for Woody and also great for us to have such an honest manager.
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Len_Brennan added 06:46 - Apr 15 The message from MM on Taylor is clearly that he does not train well enough, does not work hard enough & isn't a team player. None of us are in any position to argue with the manager about his assessment. We can't, on the one hand, criticise him for leaving out a creative but individuualistic player from the team, while acknowledging that the success in turning a bottom of the table side into playoff contenders (without being able to spend any money on transfer fees) has come from having a great team spirit, hard work & operating as a group, on the other hand. As for Woody, I think he could definitely play in the advanced midfield role, behind one, or two, strikers.

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StuartBrett8 added 07:48 - Apr 15 Taylor will be first out the door in the summer, doubt we'll get much of a fee either.
8

essexboy added 07:56 - Apr 15 Cash in on Taylor in the summer.It is a sure thing there is a problem with him otherwise he would be in the team.Would not miss him at all.!
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Popeye added 08:41 - Apr 15 Taylor will sadly join the list of worst players ever to wear a town shirt yet it could have been so different if he had just stayed out of trouble off the pitch and done what he was told on it. Clearly will leave town in the summer probably on a season long loan to P'boro who still seem to rate him. Taxi for Mr Taylor!
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Bluetone added 08:43 - Apr 15 Taylor for his own sake needs to get his agent to find another club. Even if he started to make Messi and Ronaldo look like beginners McCarthy wouldn't give him a chance in the team.
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Simonds92 added 08:45 - Apr 15 Clearly mick doesn't like Taylor as a person but it's just a bit frustrating with all the talent the guy has got. It's not an issue now that we've got Williams in but if he were to be recalled etc. then Taylor's ability should be utilised, he may be a bit selfish on the ball but that's not necessarily a bad trait to have and after his performance against Birmingham, green was talking about how much he deserves it because he works really hard in training.

3

keanokeano added 09:06 - Apr 15 Taylor is a dirty little chav who would rather have a punch up in a pub than put some effort in. Yes he has quality but he is too lazy to realise his potential and will be one of hundred of talented footballers that slide down the leagues after showing such promise. The fact is, if he trained hard enough showed he wanted a place in the team and was willing to be a team player he would be in the team every week. And one last thing, when he went out on loan to peterborough he hardly set the world alight now did he.

0

oldelsworthyfan added 09:49 - Apr 15 All credit to MM and Woody to get where they are now and how MM is thinking about Woody's future in a positive way. MM has done a fantastic job at ITFC, taking us from where we were 15 months ago without being able to spend money in the transfer market. Some supporters have been critical of our style of play - which is so unfair. With TC, he has got the best out of players who haven't actually attracted bids from Premiership clubs! Our team has had to work twice as hard to win matches in what is a very competitive Division (just remember how long it took Sir Alf to get us out of the old Second Division. Back then, even he had to start by first making our defence solid). The 'supporters' who think we should be playing wonderful, Barcelona-like, 'attractive football' with the players we have must be living in La-la land! Results are everything. And yet here we are with a realistic chance of being in the play-offs. If we don't make it this year, I truly believe we shall next season. If so, MM will then have money to buy some quality players and start to play the attractive football which has graced Portman Road in the past. Woody could well be part of that.

5

TR11BLU added 09:53 - Apr 15 Cannot understand how 'Hunty' keeps getting the thumbs up from MM. All these 'I think he was excellent' here there and everywhere baffles me. He runs around a lot granted, so does my dog but I wouldnt play him. Probably would offer more though...
1

Bluetone added 10:00 - Apr 15 TR11BLU can your dog play in midfield? Got to be in with a chance especially if he is good at running around a lot.
1

Stourbridgeblue added 10:18 - Apr 15 Joniesta's role seems to be - "get the ball, get clattered, win us a free kick" I don't think Woody is small enough for that role.
2

BlueMachines added 10:26 - Apr 15 Not keen on Taylor then! I think McGoldrick will be the man to replace Joniesta in this role if I am honest. MM stumbled upon playing him midfield just before his injury and it worked fairly well. If we keep SEB then I can see him earning a start most weeks with Murhpy and McGoldrick just in behind.
0

Lightningboy added 10:38 - Apr 15 Maybe we should adopt Liverpool's formation..play Skuse in the Gerrard role in front of the back 4..Hyam & Wordsworth filling the Henderson/ Coutinho positions..Jonny Williams in the Sterling role..Murphy & ideally McGoldrick/SEB up top. Something we should consider next season.
0

pazelle added 11:49 - Apr 15 I thought Wordsworth was at his best as part of a midfield 2, as long as he works as hard as he did in those 2 games there (which we both won). Especially with Nouble and Ebanks in the 2nd halves, Wordsworth played the odd quick ball from deep, perfect for Frank etc to run onto. For Watford away though, we should be unchanged apart from Cresswell returning. Meanwhile, Taylor stews in his juices!

1

TimmyH added 11:58 - Apr 15 Sounds like a bit of an excuse already not to get a replacement for Williams once he returns to Palace and for Wordsworth to take on the mantle (and again saving ME some money) - clearly obvious we need a player like Williams. It's amazing that Mick has only just realized this, there has been a number on here who have rated him in what few games Wordy has started since MM's tenure. That's if we don't make the play-offs and then onto dreamland. :)

2

blueherts added 11:58 - Apr 15 Lightningboy - Like the thought - What Liverpool have in abundance is pace - plus multi million pounds worth of world class ability I think what MM and TC have created is incredible - no money and everyone playing their role to the max in recent weeks Yes , Williams has added so much to the side , and I think Wordy was unlucky to dip out We have achieved so much without DMc and DMURPHY has been a revelation I agree about DMc playing the Role behind SEB and Murph If we get in the play offs and go up I still do not see Williams staying - he is so highly thought of at Palace - but u never know ? So excited for next two games - already building up !

9

HarryfromBath added 12:35 - Apr 15 Really interesting piece and analysis. For what it's worth, I think that Wordsworth actually plays better with Williams in the team. He feeds off the space Jonny creates and enjoys the more imaginative and creative football we play when Jonny lifts our tempo.
6

Lightningboy added 12:39 - Apr 15 @blueherts..yeah,I was hoping that we'd have McGoldrick back by the play-offs then joniesta could play behind the front 2. Can't see Palace parting with him next season..it's fairly obvious that Mick needs to find someone in jonny's mould for next season - whichever division we're in..we need some pace in the team next year.
1

theobald1985 added 15:30 - Apr 15 hampstead blue ' MM and TC are two of the best coaches in football. I trust them on selection. ' that is some claim! he has been picking tabb and nouble all year brought in green as well as loaning out our own decent young right back and bringing in an older worse one who he never plays. im not a fan of his long ball style or some of the selections he has made but even if i was 2 of the best in football is a bit OTT i think

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OldClactonBlue added 15:57 - Apr 15 If he could fill the Williams role why didn't he do it before Williams arrived? We wouldn't have needed Joniesta and might be top of the League now!
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Ebantiass added 18:09 - Apr 15 I really like Micks stylish way of man management, and that includes Taylors treatment. The manager has the right and trust from his experience and first hand knowledge of the training sessions he sees. Taylor may have all the talent in the world but isn't applying it as Mick wants him to for the benefit of the team. Mick and Terry have done miracles in my honest opinion so I trust them fully. Woody would be a good idea behind two strikers as would Mcgoldrick or anyone with a bit of pace and an eye for a deadly pass. Whetehr we make the most of this good season and of late fantastic run remains to be seen

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