Boss Mick McCarthy says young midfielder Kundai Benyu having a future at Town is down to him and his “attitude and his approach to football and being here”.

The 18-year-old, pictured above with Andre Dozzell at training on Tuesday, is yet to make his senior Blues debut but was on the first-team bench twice in the Championship during 2014/15 and for the Capital One Cup games against Stevenage and Doncaster last term.

Benyu missed much of 2015/16 with a persistent knee injury before returning to action for Town’s U18s and U21s in the final weeks.

In mid-May Town agreed to allow the former academy scholar to be included in a Tottenham U19s squad which played at the NextGen Series tournament in Amsterdam.

The Camden-born central midfielder, who also qualifies for Zimbabwe, played in two games but the Premier League side are understood not to have pursued their interest further.

Asked whether Benyu will now be staying with Town or moving on elsewhere, McCarthy said: “That’s up to him. I haven’t made him available.

“That’s up to him with his attitude and his approach to football and being here. It’s down to him, he’s got ability."

Benyu, who McCarthy believes needs to show the same application and effort as the other players in his squad, is contracted to Town until next summer.

Meanwhile, former Blues loanee Ben Pringle is expected to join Preston North End from Fulham today.

Pringle spent the final three months of last season with Town making nine starts and one sub appearance, scoring two goals.

On the final day of the campaign McCarthy said the Blues wouldn't be looking to sign the 26-year-old midfielder on a permanent basis.

Photo: Action Images

tractorboyjim added 07:24 - Jul 1 A gentle kick up the backside from MM... A much more respectable tact than his predecessor Mr Keane had!
8

yorksblue added 08:38 - Jul 1 A former one comes if he doesn't heed the warning. That's life.
3

yorksblue added 08:38 - Jul 1 A formal one comes if he doesn't heed the warning. That's life.
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brian_a_mul added 09:03 - Jul 1 We know Mick doesn't tolerate a bad attitude for long, the fact Benyu is still here means he must have serious ability and potential. Mick will have youngsters involved if they are good enough and have the right attitude. Its there for Benyu, he just needs to step up and follow the lead of Dozzell and Bishop.
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uefacup81 added 09:37 - Jul 1 I wonder if the experience of going away with Spurs has made young Kundai think he's Billy Big B*llocks?
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TR11BLU added 11:07 - Jul 1 We know Mick doesn't appreciate talent. He needs to run all day, play in every position and be able to hoof from one end to the other. He'll be shipped out soon no doubt.
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Barhamblue added 11:19 - Jul 1 I was told at the end of season dinner by a current coach, that this lad has all the potential but really does need to polish up his attitude. I hope he takes this valuable advice firstly for him and of course itfc.
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runaround added 12:21 - Jul 1 If he shows the right attitude to go with his talent he might get a chance on bench. Once Mick gives him a nickname we will know he's on the right track! Hope he makes it as always a shame when talent doesn't flourish for a young player
1

cats_whiskers added 15:19 - Jul 1 The one in the middle appears to have a headache and isn't looking too happy. Maybe it's the McCarthy philosophy and the application rules that has made him unwell
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