Town boss Mick McCarthy says he’s been impressed by the variety of new signing Dylan Connolly’s wing play. The 19-year-old right winger, who joined the club earlier in the month having left Shelbourne at the end of the Irish season, will travel with the senior squad for the first-time today ahead of Saturday’s match at Fulham.

“He’ll be travelling with us for Saturday,” the Town boss confirmed. “He impressed me before he arrived, that’s why I signed him, and he has since he joined us.

“He’s quick but he can play, he knows how to play on the inside as a wide player, how to go and play narrow and get the ball on the inside.

“What I do like about him is that he wants to take the full-back on on the outside as well, either or. He’s not a modern right-footer on the left or left-footer on the right coming and playing on the inside, which is in vogue at the moment.

“We scored two goals from two crosses the other night, and different ones. A right-footed inswinger, which is fine, and it was Kevin Bru on his left foot. They were both good crosses. He’ll provide that if he gets a chance, I’m sure.”

McCarthy says Connolly’s former Shelbourne team-mate Adam McDonnell - the duo were on trial at Portman Road last summer with McDonnell subsequently signing on the final day of the summer window - is still waiting to receive FIFA clearance to play.

Red tape relating to the 17-year-old’s education while at the club has so far prevented him from playing a competitive game at any level with McCarthy having confirmed that the central midfielder, an Irish U18 international, would have been on the bench for the Championship game at Millwall had he been available.

Town should learn whether his application for clearance has been successful in the next week or so but otherwise he will no longer be covered by the rules currently sidelining him when he turns 18 in May.

Meanwhile, McCarthy says he has spoken with winger Cameron Stewart about what the former Hull City man has to do to get himself into the squad.

The 23-year-old’s only appearances for the Blues so far came from the bench in the FA Cup ties with Southampton, having spent much of the first half of the season out with various knocks and niggles.

“The injuries put him back certainly,” the Town manager said. “We’ve had discussions with Cameron and in terms of what he has to do that will remain private between us. He’s got to try and force his way in.”

Photo: Action Images

blueherts added 08:28 - Feb 13 Great news Hope you play soon Dylan Could be that 'bit of unknown flair' to unleash on teams
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GreenwichBlue added 08:58 - Feb 13 Wolves under Mick played with quality wingers - wonder if this is part of a transition to that style? Would be exciting if so.
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Jimmy86 added 09:00 - Feb 13 Wingers shouldn't have to play too narrow mick!!! A real proper pacey winger hugs the touchline, beats the full back and puts a good ball into the box. Yes they should track back and help but defence is not their primary role, or at least shouldn't be!!
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Vic added 09:27 - Feb 13 Jimmy86 - perhaps you could contact the club to pass that little nugget onto Mick, I'm sure he'll be very grateful for you for letting him in on something that his 40years as a pro and manager hasn't taught him.
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RaymondovicBlue added 10:20 - Feb 13 Jimmy 86 - I'm all for everyone sharing their opinions, but you seem to have only focused on one point in all that Mick said .... he didn't say he "ONLY" tucks in tight ... he just said he knows HOW TO ... when needed ... when we are under the cosh ... but ALSO that he knows how to beat a man on the outside, and use either foot, to pass, to cross, to .,,..... I think he sounds pretty darn exciting ... pretty sure Stephen Hunt and Jay Tabb will fear for their game time ... But I hope he is allowed/FORCED to play with ALL these attributes rather than the "winger" Anderson who apparently is ordered to "only" play tight to protect Chambers at RB COYB

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Simonds92 added 10:22 - Feb 13 Obviously mick has got an overwhelming amount of experience, but can completely see Jimmy86's point. So often all your looking for tabb Anderson or hunt to do is beat a man and get a ball in the box. The physical presence of Murphy causes no end of problems for defenders and if they were to keep putting balls in the box rather than come inside it would cause a bit more danger IMO. The biggest problem with them being so narrow is however when our full backs have the ball and have no option to hit the wingers because (particularly in Anderson's case) they're on the opposite side of the pitch!

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Jimmy86 added 10:43 - Feb 13 Vic, my only point is that Mick's emphasis seems to be on tucking in tight and playing narrow in a rigid 4 4 2 and being defensive primarily. That isn't, or perhaps shouldn't be the role of an out and out winger. He did play with good wingers at wolves and hopefully we can play proper wingers. Mick is a bloody good manager and I wasn't knocking him, or trying to make out I know better. One of the most patronising posts I've come across on this site!!!

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irishtim added 10:51 - Feb 13 Have seen him play. He is very good, Exciting player. Hopefully he will do well for us.
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iaintaylorx added 16:30 - Feb 13 looking forward to seeing this lad play!
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