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

mrblue added 18:58 - Apr 15 Not mobile enough!!
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jas0999 added 19:15 - Apr 15 Great to have Wordsworth as a genuine option who can play in the centre of midfield and do a decent job. However, Williams was clearly the type of player we were crying out for and regardless of which league we are in next season, will need to replace him with a similar quality player (assuming he returns and is wanted by Palace which is almost nailed on). Wordsworth is not that type of player. Re Taylor, time for all to move on. Reading articles from the forum, simply sounds like he is a disruptive player who does what he wants and doesn't particularly care about the team. Mick wants players who gives their all. Taylor clearly doesn't want to.

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EatonBlue added 20:45 - Apr 15 Woodiesta
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budgieplucker added 22:19 - Apr 15 I have posted on this forum 2 or 3 times now that there is more to the Taylor saga than is obvious and I would still put money on the fact that it is to do with a further significant payment to Peterborough once Paul Taylor has reached x number of appearances. I think Mick probably will be allowed to spend this money if PT moves on in the summer (as it will have been budgeted for and if not paid this season will have to carry forward to next season). I am not saying Mick's own explanation for not playing PT doesn't have some substance but if this is the case it must be difficult for PT to keep motivated if he thinks there is an ulterior motive for not playing him. Whilst I personally don't see him as the greatest role model I do think he is capable of scoring regularly and providing a real threat if played in the free role behind a lone striker. I would love Jonny Williams to be given a season long loan to us next year but as mentioned by others that is a pipe dream. PT is more geared to the role JW is playing than Woody.

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richard_4_itfc added 22:27 - Apr 15 I have always liked Antony Wordsworth since he came to play for Town. He seemed a more creative midfield player than other Town midfielders and I felt, more likely to create assists and even get the odd goal himself. He hasn't had it easy at Town, as he has had injuries and at times, been left out for more energetic (but maybe not as positive and definitely not so creative) players. Sometimes he has gone back in the team and not quite hit the ground running or shown his full potential but that is hard to do if you are in and out of the team. I suppose the main thing is Town have some good midfielders now eg Hyam, Skuse, Green, Tabb, Wordsworth and Williams. Fitting them all in is quite a problem but that is where being good squad players is important. Finally, I have to say....Williams for me is the pick of the bunch and has been excellent and made such an improvement to Town. If he stays in good form Town can hope to finish this season well! GO TOWN!....

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muccletonjoe added 23:00 - Apr 15 I think Wordworth played his best football along side hyam and williams. It bodes well for next season that we already have options. With the addition of 3 or 4 players we will be challenging for the top 2 next season. Taylors departure will be permanent this summer and will free up the funds needed to get who we need.
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bohslegend added 14:45 - Apr 16 So So good to be in a position where we might, just might, get in the play offs. After so many years of misery at the club in terms of which end of the table we are involved in, it's a great feeling along with a fine stretch in the evenings, to think of what could be. A good manager & coach (not to everyones liking) with an organised bunch of players that nobody else seemed to see anything in, all competing and putting in their shift each week. We lost a few games we might have thought we should win, and we won a few games we probably expected to lose, and even some of the draws were in games we should have lost. But we're still there! We have a chance! I slipped away from TWTD for a while - there was a helluva lot of negativity about the manager, team selection, individual ITFC players, etc etc, and that's fair enough - each to their own opinion. But we are still there!!!! I've obviously been sneaking a look at TWTD - it is despite some of the readers extreme comments, the best place to find ITFC news - and I've noticed that my old mucker Noel the Dub has gone very quiet over the last couple of weeks. Now obviously this is totally coincidental and nothing to do with the fact that MM has brought us through some tough games, selected the players HE knows will do the job and trusts them to go out and give 100%. Noel, would retract some things he used to say when we had a couple of bad results, and maybe give some unconditional credit to MM for getting us to where we are - whether we do or dont actually make it. I'm sure that's the case ;-) Noel?? Where for art thou Noelio??

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Seasider added 17:51 - Apr 16 Should like to see Woody given a start bearing in mind that the two games he has started recently in his favoured position of midfield were both won.Think Skues was lucky to get back in. Things have certainly looked up recently with the arrival of Jonny;but could it be also that Greeny and Tabby aren't playing?
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deano85 added 18:15 - Apr 16 Woody Could Play Jonny's Role... so could McGoldrick... it was said earlier in the season that we would make a good att mid
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louisrf added 18:27 - Apr 16 leaguecalculator:20140416175911-62379
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