Town boss Mick McCarthy was delighted with debutant Adam McDonnell and fellow youngster Myles Kenlock during Saturday’s final day of the season 1-0 win at Derby. The duo are two of a number of young players who have made an impression during the last few games of the season.

“I thought he was really good,” McCarthy said regarding 18-year-old Dubliner McDonnell, who joined Town from his hometown club Shelbourne in the summer of 2014 following a trial.

“Even when he got booked I was delighted because that’s part of his game. He went to win the ball, he made a tackle and it stopped them attacking, but he competed really well.

“I thought he passed it well and he’s one that I’ve always liked, and, by the way, a big game for him to come in and play as well against that midfield, they’ve some good players there.

“He was knackered when he came off, he was getting cramp. I think the occasion, the pace of the game, he’s not played any at that level, so it was always going to tax him. But when he was on I thought he did well, but he was just shattered.”

On 19-year-old left-back Kenlock’s display, he added: “I thought he saw off both wingers, he’s seen off two really good wide players. Excellent. I’m really pleased, that’s given me real encouragement for next season.”

McCarthy says the impact made by youngsters such as McDonnell, Kenlock, Andre Dozzell, Paul Digby and Josh Emmanuel when given their chance in the senior side has been a big plus during the final weeks of the season.

“It’s great that,” he said. “The problem is that if we’re sat here in the top six and going into the play-offs everybody would be buzzing and that would just be a nice little aside.

“So I’m not trying to use that as some sort of fabulous end to the season, bury the bad news with some good news, that’s not the case. But it’s progress for the club.

“Every year since I’ve been here there’s been progress, 14th, ninth, sixth, OK we’re seventh this year, so it’s just taken a little dip.

“But in terms of getting players through, and we are a club where we’ve spent five hundred grand in terms of transfers, most have been frees and Bosmans, it is great that players are coming through the academy.

“We had Teddy Bishop who came through last year and really sadly he’s been injured for such a long time.

“If Doz comes through and does half as well as Teddy did in terms of playing and these other two then start threatening full-back positions on a regular basis, and we’ve got Clarkey [Matt Clarke] coming back [having been on loan at Portsmouth], which is another plus, that would be great.”

He says Emmanuel and Kenlock haven’t been too far away, having made their senior debuts in the opening week of 2015/16, the former in the first Championship fixture at Brentford and the latter in the Capital One Cup tie against Stevenage.

“They’ve been there or thereabouts in terms of playing,” McCarthy continued. “Andre’s a different ball game altogether, he’s a really talented footballer and anyone who is 16 and gets in the team has got to be that. And he can handle it physically.

“The other two boys, Josh Emmanuel has been out on loan and I was surprised that that didn’t work out at Crawley, albeit his preparation for [his first] game was to travel over Friday, travel to Carlisle and play, he probably didn’t know anybody’s names.

“So it wasn’t the easiest for him and I don’t think he had a particularly good game and it didn’t work out.

“But whenever he’s played in the team here, he played at Manchester United, played at Brentford, he’s done well, so it was nice to see them play against the MK Dons.”

McCarthy says 21-year-old centre-half Digby’s signing on a permanent basis on a free transfer should be tied up without a hitch.

“He’s not our player but we’ve got an agreement with Barnsley, so effectively he is if he agrees to it, I guess.”

Meanwhile, 19-year-old central defender Clarke and Portsmouth will be involved in the League Two play-offs, although the Blues defender is currently an injury doubt with a groin problem.

Pompey, who finished sixth and also feature ex-Blues keeper Brian Murphy and winger Gary Roberts, take on Plymouth with the first leg at Fratton Park on Thursday before they visit Home Park on Sunday.

Photo: Action Images

jabberjackson added 06:59 - May 10 It's a shame we weren't out of PLAYOFF contention by February MM might have been more inclined to have given these guys some proper game time
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Penguinblue added 07:04 - May 10 Yes, potentially a great future and something to look forward to. All we need is a proper football manager to nurture and develop it Not hoofball. McCarthy OUT
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Flewitt85 added 07:19 - May 10 Makes me wonder if we need to get new players in for next season with this talent that's coming through. I for one would be more then happy for these youngsters to be in the first team.
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essex57 added 07:22 - May 10 Penguin blue whilst i am the first one to say you are entitled to your opinion I think we all know what it is and thankfully in the minority so if you can't bring anything else to the table give it a rest please. Personally I'm looking forward to next season already all news at the moment seems to be positive let's hope it continues.
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Dalty added 07:24 - May 10 Give it a rest, Penguinblue. Even allowing for the fact I have some reservations about the style of football, I find reading your comments infinitely more tedious and predictable in comparison. While it's been disappointing to miss the play-offs, we've still finished higher in each of the last 2 seasons than we did in any of the preceding 9. In a league where MM's had half a million to spend in 3 1/2 years where we're up against several teams who've spent more than ten times that on one player, MM's done well to keep us competing at the top end in the circumstances.

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muccletonjoe added 07:39 - May 10 Our ticket out of the championship will be the form of these youngsters
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blue75 added 07:52 - May 10 Under Klug our kids play football the correct way! Under Mcarthy I don't see them developing as they should, one bad game ie reading away and he'll revert back to what he knows best playing for a point! Not what we should expect at our club!!!
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iaintaylorx added 07:55 - May 10 This is one reason I am excited for next season. The upcoming of some really talented youngsters is always a bonus. With Emmanuel, Kenlock, Clarke, Dozzell, McDonnell and the younger lads is so good to see. A few players would be great next season to really strengthen our squad. Give these hungry young lads a chance in the first team, alongside some good additions and I think next year will be a very exciting one for both the fans. I do think a striker is a must, someone to partner Didzy when he is back to his full 100% and also Searsy. I don't think Murphy has it in him next season and we always tend to play the long ball when he is in the team. I'd use Murph as a player to come on and change to the game in the final 25 minutes to hold the ball up when we're winning or use him as an aerial threat trying to get that goal. Whereas Pitman hasn't really reached the heights I expected, albeit he is a great finisher but I wouldn't say he is the striker to get us promoted. Bring on next season with a couple of good quality players and the use of great youngsters then maybe, just maybe, next year will be our year!!

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iaintaylorx added 08:02 - May 10 With the players at our disposal currently and using our youngsters, imagine this next season!!! Bialkowski Emmanuel, Clarke, Smith, Kenlock McDonnell, Dozzell, Bishop Sears, Didzy, Feeney - A centre back I wouldn't mind to see is Manga from Cardiff. Whether we'd get him or not is another question, but would be a great partner ship with Smith whilst the youngsters come into the team. - A midfielder, Dack from Gillingham. All aware of his capabilities and has that goal scoring mentality that some of our midfielders lack. - Lastly, one player I'd love, Ross McCormack? Fulham aren't doing much and with Evans saying there is money there, whack in £4M and see what is does? Proven goal scorer and something we are dying out for! Opinions?

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itfccymru added 08:14 - May 10 'iaintaylorx' Whilst I love your optimism I just can't see that happening I'm afraid. As for the youngsters, I'm very excited about Clarke. The only worry is that he is left footed so we could be left unbalanced again which I do think has not helped us at times over recent years. I think we only need a few players and not a massive overhaul, attacking midfielder, 2/3 wingers, possibly another striker but I can't see MM doing it, unless he sees Sears as a permenant left midfielder now which would be a shame. The squad needs tweaking but keeping that spirit that got us in the play offs. With the correct investment and a bit of luck with injuries (Bishop, McGoldrick) I seriously believe we could be a force under MM and TC. Can't wait for the new season already!

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BlueMachines added 08:17 - May 10 Don't think much of the midfield Iantaylorx. Whilst I like the attacking side I do think we need a little more experience and bite to support maybe 2 of the above.
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gloucester_tractor added 08:19 - May 10 The lack of good res team football will always be an issue for young players , it's all well and good honing their skills at u21 level , but that's not a competitor that will harden them up for the first team . The youngsters will become the bench with three good pros and we may see them half a dozen times next year . Young Dozzell may becthecexception to that

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grumpyoldman added 08:20 - May 10 Iaintaylorx, one problem both Clarke and Smith left sided and we all see that that has not worked with Berra & Smith, midfield lightweight, Scuse is the only defensive midfield player worth his place and could assist the youngsters in their development.
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iaintaylorx added 08:42 - May 10 I agree with all, was just a nice team to note down I suppose. Defensive cover was something I was thinking. I do like Skuse and think he does do a lot of work which goes unnoticed.
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alfromcol added 09:36 - May 10 Had we been in play off contention non of these youngsters wouldn't have got on the pitch!
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TimmyH added 10:26 - May 10 100% truth @alfromcol!
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Monkey_Blue added 10:56 - May 10 The important thing about these players coming into contention isn't so much they are all going to be in the team. It's just that MM won't have to sign squad players with his limited budget. He can concentrate on fewer signings at a better quality who may instantly improve the first team. Dozzell may be an exception but I see the others as being better options than the cokes, toure's, varneys et all, the Mick has had to sign to give the first team squad enough numbers.

2

Lightningboy added 11:23 - May 10 I would love nothing more than to see the likes of Kenlock,Emanuel,McDonnel,Dozzel,Clarke etc etc being given a "Fair" chance at playing first team football and establishing themselves as regulars here at ITFC. Unfortunately the cynic in me sees them being shipped out on loan to league 1 & 2 sides in favour of over the hill injury prone journeymen. Seriously hope McCarthy doesn't prove me right & gives them a decent chance next season..and not just in the "throwaway" cup games.

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ivegottheblues added 11:48 - May 10 Why so many negatives for penguin? He's only stating the facts. I suspect most of the advocates of good attractive football have given up posting.
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ivegottheblues added 11:48 - May 10 Why so many negatives for penguin? He's only stating the facts. I suspect most of the advocates of good attractive football have given up posting.
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Richhibb added 11:50 - May 10 I know the football hasn't been great but we have been stripped of our attacking talent and limited on funds. I do think we have a better squad and good youngsters coming through. The stability the MM has brought can be a positive for next year with some quality additions. Everyone who is calling for MM Out needs to be careful what you wish for and who would we actually get as manager or who would you want?

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essex57 added 11:57 - May 10 Ivegottheblues penguin blue is not stating facts he's stating his opinion which he is entitled to the problem is that he states it on every post with nothing new or positive added.
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brian_a_mul added 12:33 - May 10 MM picks the best players available to him at any given time. Its is clear that if Didz & Bish were fit they would have started most games and added the quality we missed this season. Would this have changed our league position?? quite possibly. Creative players that can improve our squad are just not readily available on frees/bosmans!! Give MM a break! We now have a good group of genuine quality youngsters that can support the first team squad next season and possibly break into the first team. MM is definitely the right man to bring these guys through, his man management skills are very highly regarded. He brought teenagers Robbie Keane and Damian Duff in to the Ireland team and onto to the World Cup in 2002 and put them in first team! He knows how to manage talented youngsters!!

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tractorintheloft added 12:41 - May 10 It's great to see the Brian Klug production line again following the dstruction caused by the reign of the Dark Lord. Whilst it's encouraging to see we also need good solid pros for this very difficult and demanding league (remember Shaun Derry going to QPR not Town?). Perhaps a bit more balance and Bishop being fit will make us a bit less reliant on the physical stuff and we'll see some better football but we need to realistic that it will always portray MM style of hard work first. Must not forget Morris coming through as well. there is hope but don't be surprised if it's a false dawn. The cynical side feels it's a good excuse not to recruit in the summer on the back of dissappointing season ticket renewals and even less funds to play with.

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Beattiesballbag added 13:30 - May 10 Don't hold your breath! Emmanuel and Kenlock showed they were good enough at the beginning of the season & could have been the difference to us finishing in the play offs, & what game time have they had! Do you really think he will drop Chambers ? I doubt it! It's far easier to pat the younger players on the head & say their time will come than explain to the older pro that their not as good as the youngster! Also the amount of money he has spent is down to choice on his part , hasn't he said money is available if a player becomes available that is better than what we already have? Not spending much money is like a security blanket.......it's not his fault if we don't progress!

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