Town boss Mick McCarthy believes 21-year-old left-back Tyrone Mings has a big season ahead of him following Aaron Cresswell’s departure for West Ham for £3.75 million last month. Former Chippenham Town man Mings started last Saturday’s 2-1 home win against Fulham before being rested for Tuesday’s Capital One Cup defeat at Crawley.

“Tyrone’s great, he’s been excellent, as we thought he would be based on his past performances, how he’s done when he’s played and the sort of lad he is,” McCarthy said.

“He can be a huge player for us this season. It’s a different challenge for him because last year he was never going to play unless Cressy was injured or suspended.

“Now, the chance for him to play is there, the chance for him to make that position his own is there and he’s got to play well and he’s got to continue to play well, not have a good game [every now and then].

“I know he’s a young lad and his performances might fluctuate, but my point is that the pressure is a different one now.

“It’s there, the position’s his if he wants it, if he can grab it and keep it. He’ll be challenged by Jonny Parr.

“Jonny’s injured, so it’s a really good opportunity for him. The pressure is now to keep it.”

He added: “When you’re not the number one relied on every week, you come in and you can play with a bit of carefree abandon; ‘I’ve got my chance, I’ll have a go’.

“Now he’s got to keep doing that, keep playing that way when he’s in the team because that’s what’s got him in the team.”

The Town boss views Mings as a full-back, although says he could ultimately move into the centre of the defence: “He’s a full-back predominantly. I think he could play either side, Ty.

"I think because of his size we all look at him and think he could be a centre-back.

“I hear midfield players or centre forwards say they’ll go back and play at centre-back as if it’s easy playing at centre-back!

“But it’s not quite that easy. Ty could end up there because of his size and his stature, but he’s so athletic and quick, he’s a really good full-back.”

Meanwhile, despite having the likes of Ted Bishop, Jack Marriott, Matt Clarke and Darren McQueen on the fringes of the first team squad, McCarthy says it’s premature to start getting too excited about the emerging crop of youngsters.

Defender Clarke, 17, midfielder Bishop, 18, and 19-year-old frontman McQueen were amongst those to make their debuts in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup defeat at Crawley, while striker Marriott, 19, made his first start for the Blues.

“I don’t get that excited, I’m not that sort who comes in here and waxes lyrical about them,” he said.

“We’ve got a couple of good ones who have progressed. And don’t forget Elliott Hewitt, having gone out and played on loan, I thought he was excellent on Saturday.

“But Teddy Bishop and Matt Clarke are doing really well at their level, they come and train with the first team and they’re doing well.

“I’d be excited if they get in the first team. But I don’t get excited about the prospect of it happening because I’ve seen so many get to that and then not really play.”

Photo: Action Images

WhoisJimmyJuan added 07:28 - Aug 14 Does ramble and meander a bit old MM doesn't he? Mings is great, but its going to be tough for him. Parr will challenge him but Mings is great. The young ones are great but might not be, but could be, but I've seen them fail before, etc. etc.! Never quite sure how I would react to MM's public comments if I was lucky enough to play for him! Decent man manager overall I think though.

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Guthrum added 07:46 - Aug 14 WiJJ - I can only think of one player who's ever seriously fallen out with McCarthy ...
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JoeDickerson420 added 08:05 - Aug 14 they way mm's comments get displayed to the public are so narrow
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brian_a_mul added 09:12 - Aug 14 Basically MM is saying they have the potential to be senior players. Thats it really! It is exciting from a fans point of view though to see these lads breaking through!
6

pazelle added 09:29 - Aug 14 I'd love it if Mings made that position his own - he's got all the tools imo, just needs the minutes now.
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Michael11 added 10:25 - Aug 14 I thought Mingsy had a good game against Fulham. He looked comfortable defending and attacking. The only thing that worried me was his lack of knowledge of when to break forward as he left us quite exposed once or twice with counter attacks. That'll come with experience though so good luck to him.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 11:18 - Aug 14 I have high hopes and a lot of respect for TM. I hope and believe he'll turn out to be a very good player for us. Not that he isn't good already, but he will mature with experience (cf. Tommy Smith) and gain the consistency that will be needed to perform well week in and week out.
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Luka added 12:25 - Aug 14 Guthrum, shut up about Taylor. He's Sh**, he's off. Stop bringing it up
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Luka added 12:33 - Aug 14 Michael - you can afford that a little with Smith, Berra and Chambers about. He is very good, as you say, and it'll all come with experience
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Mark added 12:57 - Aug 14 Mings is a fantastic prospect, as he is a big strong player with real ability, even running forward, dribbling and beating people. I think he could be a top player, just so long as he can improve his defensive positioning and cut out mistakes. He has to choose when to venture forward, although another player who does that too often has recently signed for PSG for £48M. :-)

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Vic added 13:17 - Aug 14 Luka, I have a feeling Guthram didn't have Taylor in mind . A certain Mr Keane though fits the bill!
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IpswichFan26 added 14:00 - Aug 14 TM will definately improve, once he got settled against Fulham he was, was just unlucky when he slipped and it led to the Fulham goal. Parr will definately help when he's back fit. And we have a really unique situation here at Ipswich with our centre-backs. People don't agree with having Chambo as our rb, however, we have 3 of the best cb's in the league, who all deserve a place in the side. Its a very good feeling to have that after years of uncertainty at the back in the Jewell and Keane years, that we have a very solid, settled defence.

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IpswichFan26 added 14:01 - Aug 14 Fine*
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Jimmy86 added 16:29 - Aug 14 I personally feel that when Johnny Parr is fit he will be our left back as he has more experience than Mings. Mings has great potential and has earnt the chance to start the season as our left back, but I dont think he is quite ready for a 46 game championship season.
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howdonblue added 18:32 - Aug 14 I agree Jimmy 86 part is much the better option at this time I think mings was caught out a few times Saturday . The jury is out on him as far as I'm concerned
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howdonblue added 18:32 - Aug 14 Parr lol
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Luka added 18:45 - Aug 14 Vic - Maybe, but so many people bang the Taylor drum, so you may see why I thought that? IpswichFan26 - I thought Chambers actually attacked like a RB vs Fulham - IMHO, I think we have an advantage in that respect, and he dealt with Eisfeld, McCormack, et.al comfortably
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