Town boss Mick McCarthy says new signing Adam Webster is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season having only recently returned to action following the ankle injury he suffered while with Portsmouth last season.

McCarthy says the 21-year-old, for whom the Blues paid Pompey £700,000 with fellow centre-half Matt Clarke moving in the opposite direction earlier in the summer, has impressed since he joined the club.

“Adam’s a good player, I think he’ll develop into a really top centre-back. He can defend but he’s got that other side of it as well, he’s a really good footballer.”

Webster came on as a sub at Colchester last Wednesday and started at Cambridge on Saturday but McCarthy feels the former England U19 and U20 international won’t be quite ready to start when the Blues face Barnsley at home on the opening day.

“Probably not after 13 weeks out, we’ve only got two weeks to the start and we’ve got two 90 minutes to get in. So probably not I would have thought,” he said.

With Tommy Smith and Christophe Berra having been regular starters throughout McCarthy’s time in charge, the Town manager admits he has big decisions to make once Webster reaches full fitness: “I know, that’s what I’m paid to do. I hope I get them right.”

Regarding reported interest in Smith from a number of Championship clubs, the Town manager says he’s heard nothing: “Nobody’s made a phone call to me about him.”

Town have taken up an option for a further year on Smith’s last contract and McCarthy says discussions have been ongoing regarding new terms, although he isn’t sure where things stand at present.

“We were in negotiations with him but where they are at I’m not sure, I leave that to [owner] Marcus [Evans],” he added.

A report at the weekend claimed Newcastle and Fulham are showing interest in Daryl Murphy but McCarthy says no one has been in contact regarding the 33-year-old either: “Good old agents, eh? The paper never refused ink, did it, that’s for sure. Likewise, I’ve not had any calls about him.

“That doesn’t mean there isn’t interest because he’s a good player and he had a good European Championships. I sincerely hope not but by the way he’s on a long contract with us. We don’t have to sell anybody, that’s a discussion I’ve had with Marcus today.”

Photo: Action Images

hadleighboyblue added 07:57 - Jul 25 As manager , I can't believe MM is not aware of the situation regarding Tommy Smith's contract negotiations - if he isn't , he should be . There seems to be a lot of vague comments coming out of ITFC about transfer activity , or lack of it . No excuses for lack of signings .............as my school report used to say .......must try harder !
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rfretwell added 08:33 - Jul 25 Too right Hadleigh, we need to push the boat out to keep Smith - our best defender last season and Ipswich through and through. Webster needs a gradual introduction to Championship football not chucked in at the deep end.
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Surco72 added 08:58 - Jul 25 He wouldn't get in above the usual back four as they were brilliant all of last season according to MM so only signed as back up , the sum of our transfer dealings
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brittaniaman added 09:20 - Jul 25 With no signings Imminent, it looks to be the usual back four who will start Sat week !!!!!! Getting very close now !!!!! The midfield will be of the most interest to see who he selects to start there ?? and as for wingers Well it is anybody Guess, as we are a lot of players short at the moment.
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Daz added 11:09 - Jul 25 We don't have to sell anybody, that's a discussion I've had with Marcus today.” Oh no Marcus looking to sell players again?
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NSL added 13:21 - Jul 25 When are we going to get some positive news from ITFC? I have never felt so uninspired before the start of a new season.
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ArnieM added 13:37 - Jul 25 So the only money we did have , we've spent on a player that has already been out injured for nigh on 3 months, and still isnt fit. Great! The bigger concern is Evans is unable to complete negotiations for players, or simply isnt prepared to pay what a player / club is asking. If this is so, then perhaps the time has come for him sell ITFC to someone who is. The otyer morevscarry version is Town 15 yrs+ occupancy of the Championship neans we are no longer attractive to prospective players. Its known in the game thatvwe dong have, or are nit willing to spend money. Everyone knows which clubs do havebmoney. If you were a player, wherd would you be trying to get a transfer too?

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Gazelle added 14:32 - Jul 25 Webster injured before he starts, it's a bit like buying a car with a dent in it.
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brian_a_mul added 15:41 - Jul 25 Good player, should give real competition for CD spots. Lacked this competition last season when Berra & Smith went off the boil.
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LimitlessBlue added 15:49 - Jul 25 ...you couldn't make it up!
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dukey44 added 17:06 - Jul 25 I'm sorry but same old drool from the man who knows best. Sick to death of his drool now as its every season. We were Tosh Mick and looks like we are going to be the same yet will get caught out a lot quicker this season. As there's some rather strong teams in with us now. Sorry but can see this being a bad season for us. Please Mick do us all a favour.......
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ArnieM added 17:31 - Jul 25 who do suggest he buys then when Evans gives hive fluck all to work with??
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The_Kinks added 17:35 - Jul 25 I just hope we don't struggle all season and delay offering our young talented players a chance to shine, and play to show the talent that they have. I am not so worried about the now but about the future. I love this club.
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jas0999 added 18:39 - Jul 25 I suspect MM is aware of how discussions with Smith are going. He is unlikely to speak out if it's not going well, just like he will never slate Evans in public. However, he cleverly makes it clear that it's with Marcus, which means if it falls through, it's not his, but Evans fault. Suspect Smith may hold out for a better contract as no doubt the one on offer from Evans isn't that competitive.

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Seasider added 18:47 - Jul 25 Noticed that Malarczyk nor Stewart got on from the bench,although the latter has at least had some game time in pre season unlike poor Piotr. Surely being so cash strapped as we are now led to believe,McCarthy could give the Pole a bit of game time in a friendly?It must be very demoralising for him to see all these young players being given a run out
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Cloddyseedbed added 22:24 - Jul 25 Can somebody please clarify what the position is with Malarczyk as I and many others thought he had been released from his contract?
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Garv added 10:37 - Jul 26 One suspects he won't play until December when Berra or Smith pick up an injury or suspension. Same back four that did so well last season.
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